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HISTORICAL SKETCH 



€OTEGH AND BDKSnOlVS 



OF THE 



UNITED BRETHREN, 

COMMONLY CALLED MORAVIANS. 



Go and do thou likewise. Luke X v. 37. 



All Profits for the benefit of the Missions. 



BETHLEHEX, PA. 
S--RIVTED ST J. 1KI) W. HELD. 
1343, 






rU 



CONTENTS. 



Sketch of the Ancient Brethren's Church. 

Sketch of the Renewed Brethren's Church. 

Missionary Operations. 

Chart of Missionary Stations. 

Table of Missionary Stations and Preaching places formerly had V- 

mong the North American Indians &c. 

Chart of the Diaspora (Home Missionary) operations, on the Con- - 

tinent of Europe, &c. 
Table of all the Congregations of the Brethren's Church. 
List of the Bishops of the Renewed Church of the Brethren, 
Short notice of the Memorial Days. 
List of Boarding Schools,- 



PREFACE. 

In presenting this little volume to the Public, truth requires of us tc> 
state, that the Historical portion, is for the most part, but a compila* 
tion from large and authenticated Histories of the United Brethren's 
Church. This acknowledgement is deemed a sufficient reason, for 
not inserting the usual signs of quotation, which designate what has 
been verbally inserted from another source, by any writer into his 
own production. 

The large works treating of the rise and progress of the Brethren's 
Church, being too expensive for that, general circulation which 
ought to be given them, the attempt has now been made, to collect 
every thing of importance, into as small a compass as possible ; and 
thus to enable all persons desirous of making the slightest acquaint- 
ance with the History of our Church, to do so. 

Especially, however, has this small work been prepared for th» 
use of the rising generation, who will, it is hoped, be induced by 
its perusal, to make further inquiries into the interesting and in- 
structive History of our Forefathers ; and be led by the Spirit of 
Grace, to follow their glorious example, and in the midst of a sin- 
ful world, to run with patience the race that is set before them, ev- 
er looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of their faith. (Heb. 
12 v., 1. 2.) 

It is, above all, our fervent prayer, that the sincere love and the 
constant regard which were bestowed upon the Holy Bible, whose 
"acred pages encouraged and strengthened our Martyr-ancestors to 
follow their Lord and Master, even unto death, will inspire us their 
unworthy descendants, "to search the Scriptures," — to prize this un- 
speakable gift of God, — and never to part with its life-bestowing 
and heaven-promising Doctrines. With the Bible in our hands, let 
us also be sure to secure its blessed contents within our hearts ; and 
convert our memories into treasuries filled with the priceless gems 
of divine Truth. 

Living in an age, when " the powers of darkness," are straining 



PREFACE. 

tcvery nerve, to destroy "the light of the world," it surely become* 
us, " who are of the day, to be sober ; and putting on the breast- 
plate of faith and love, and having for a helmet the hope of salva- 
tion," (I Thess. 5. v., 8.) to go forth, and " fight the good fight of 
faith, laying hold on eternal life." (I Tim. 6. v., 12.) 

What are the signs of the times 1 Are not attempts being every 
where made, to cast a shroud over the life-giving blessings of an 
4< open Bible ;" and to throw aside, or trifle with the divinely ac- 
knowledged mysteries of the Gospel] (See Mark 4 v., 11. I Cor. 
15 v., 51. Eph. 3 v., 4. 9. I Tim. 3 v., 16.) 

Why this perversion of Truth 1 Shall, will our little Zion yield 
to this insidious, this destructive influence, by which she is sur- 
rounded 1 Or, as of old, go forth in the strength of the Lord, rely- 
ing solely on the Rock of ages for suppuri, and do the first works, 
in sincere repentance at having left her first love ; (see Rev. 2 v. 4. 
5.) lest God, in His just wrath, reject her, on account of a growing 
indifference in behalf of His praise and glory 1 (see Rev. 3 v. 15-17.) 
If our candlestick has not yet been removed, does the light which it 
emits, shine with that brilliancy and effect, as if supplied with the 
pure oil, flowing direct from the tree of life ] (See Zech. 4. ch.) 
.May the recollection, that we are descendants of a Church, — 

" Whose sons no yoke could crush, no burthen tire, 
Unaw'd by dungeons, tortures, sword and fire" — 

•trengthen our Faith in the Lord, and spur us on to a " holy zeal," 
for the Religion of our Fathers, which is the Religion of our God and 
Saviour. 

That the blessing of the Lord, who knows the motives for publish- 
ing this little volume, may accompany it, and rest upon all who 
shall condescend to give it a friendly reception, is the wish and 

prayer of its Editor. 

EDWARD H. REICHEL. 
Nazareth Hall, Jan. 1848. 






COMMENCEMENT OF THE UNITY OF THE 
BRETHREN. 

I. 

The Protestant Unity of the Brethren, in styling itself 
the Renewed Brethren's Church, shows with sufficient 
clearness, that it regards itself as the continuation of that 
Ancient Church of the Brethren, which was founded in 
the year 1457 ; and which continued to spread, amidst 
the oppression and opposition of powerful and bitter ene- 
mies, for the space of two centuries, in its native coun- 
tries, Bohemia and Moravia ; and which existed even 
still longer in the adjacent kindom of Poland, distinguish- 
ing itself by the firmness of its members, under the most 
dreadful persecution ; by the purity of its doctrines ; by 
its zeal for active and vital Christianity ; by its tolerance 
towards those of different sentiments, who, however, had 
the same foundation of faith ; by its apostolic church dis- 
cipline and ritual ; and finally, by the pious walk and 
conversation of its members. 

Among the numerous countries in which the Apostle 
Paul preached, during his Missionary labors, was Ily- 
ricum, on the boarders of Italy ; (Rom. 15, 19.) and he 
mentions Titus, as having proceeded, for the same pur- 
pose, into Dalmatia; (II. Tim. 4, 10.) both of which 
were Sclavonian provinces. Thus the Church of the 
United Brethren, originally descended from the Sclavo- 
nian Branch of the Greek or Eastern Church, can trace 
her descent from countries, which received the Gospel 
through the immediate agency of the Apostles and their 
contemporaries. The most authentic records, ascribe 
the introduction of Christianity into Bohemia and Mora- 
via, to two Greek Ecclesiastics, Cyrillus and Methodius, 



S COMMENCEMENT OF 

in the ninth century. The light once kindled there, was^ 
not permitted to be quenched in darkness ; and the beams 
of sacred Truth soon shone abroad, and even penetrated' 
into the gloomy recesses of Poland and of Russia. 

The story connected with the first appearance of the 
Gospel among the Sdavonian tribes, is as follows : The 
Bulgarians being borderers on the Greek Empire, fre- 
quently made predatory excursions on the Imperial ter- 
ritory. On one occasion, the sister of Bogaris, King of 
the Bulgarians, was taken prisoner, and carried to Con- 
stantinople. Being a royal captive* she was treated with 
great honor, and diligently instructed in the Doctrines of 
the Gospel, of the truth of which she became so deeply 
convinced, that she desired to be baptized ; and in 845, 
when peace was concluded between the Emperor Mich- 
ael III, and the Bulgarians, she returned to her native 
country, a pious and zealous Christian. — Earnestly con- 
cerned for the conversion of her countrymen, she re- 
quested teachers to be sent from Constantinople, to in- 
struct them in the way of righteousness.- — Accordingly 
Cyrillus and Methodius went to Bulgaria. The king, 
Bogaris, who heretofore had resisted conviction, con- 
ceived a particular affection for Methodius, and desired 
him, as being a skilful painter, to compose a picture, 
exhibiting the most horrid devices. Methodius took a< 
happy advantage of this strange request ; and painted 
the Day of Judgment, in a style so terrific, and explain- 
ed its scenes to his royal master, in language so awful 
and affecting, that Bogaris was awakened ; made a pro- 
fession of the true faith, and was baptized by the name 
of Michael, in honor of his benefactor, the Greek Em- 
peror. Aided by the example of their Sovereign, the la- 
bors of the two Missionaries were attended with such suc- 
cess, that in a short time Christian congregations were 
formed in various parts of the Kingdom. Divine wor- 
ship was regulated according to the ritual of the Greek 
Church, and the service performed in the Sclavonian 
language, that being the vernacular dialect of the country. 
To Cyrillus is attributed the translation of the Holy 



THE UNITY OF THE BRETHREN, V 

Scriptures, still in use among the descendants of the Scla- 
vonians, who adhere to the Greek Church. 

Notwithstanding this triumphant introduction of Chris- 
tianity among these fierce nations, (including the Bohe- 
mians and Moravians,) multitudes adhered to Idolatry, and 
among the nobles especially, many continued Pagans. 

The Bohemian Duke, Borziwog, being on a visit to 
the King of Moravia, was converted and baptized ; and 
on his return, his wife Ludomilla, likewise embraced the 
Gospel. Their example was followed by many of their 
subjects, who destroyed their idols. Civil commotions 
however ensued, and a cruel persecution against the 
Christians was carried on for ten years, when the Roman 
Emperor, Otho I. in 940, entered Bohemia, with a pow- 
erful army, and restored peace and rest to the persecuted 
people. But new dangers began soon to threaten. Bo- 
hemia being added to the Western Empire, the Roman 
Pontiffs exerted all their influence, both by craft and 
force, to alienate the Sclavonians from the Greek Church, 
and subject them to the Papal See. Zealous for purity 
of doctrine and worship, the Bohemian Church perse ver- 
ingly resisted the attacks and encroachments of powerful 
and bitter enemies ; and its members resolutely retained 
the Bible, and performed their Church service according 
to the ritual of their Fathers, and in their Mother-tongue. 
For these heresies, as they were deemed, this Church of 
firm Believers, was persecuted without mercy, and al- 
most without intermission. Many of its adherents were 
punished with death ; more with the spoiling of their 
goods; and multitudes with imprisonment and exile. 

At this critical juncture, which involved the future des- 
tiny of no inconsiderable portion of the great Christian 
family, and perhaps the eternal happiness or misery of 
many thousand souls, God arose for the help of His 
faithful servants in Bohemia and Moravia, by causing 
the persecution of the Waldenses in France and Italy to 
lead to the emigration of great numbers of them into Bo- 
hemia. They made their first appearance in this coun- 
try, in 1176, and soon formed a union with those Bohe- 



'10 COMMENCEMENT OP 

mians and Moravians, who observed the Greek ritual. 
By their intercourse with the Waldenses, who had, by 
long experience and many severe trials, been well disci- 
plined in the service of God, the Bohemian Confessors 
obtained clearer views of the Doctrines of the Gospel, 
and of the Truths of Scripture in general ; which led to 
the introduction of a purer and more scriptural form of 
worship among them. 

While the united Bohemian, Moravian, and Walden- 
sian Christians adhered with unshaken constancy to the 
truths of God's holy Word, both in doctrine and prac- 
tice, the light of that Word, here and there penetrated 
the dense mist which every where obscured its rays. — 
Many persons who outwardly remained in communion 
with the established Church, — the Romish, — secretly de- 
plored the reigning abominations, and earnestly prayed 
for a reform in religion. 

About the middle of the fourteenth century, the efforts 
of Pope Clement VI, aided by Charles IV, who was 
Emperor of Germany and King of Bohemia, were direct- 
ed to the total subjugation of the Bohemian and Moravian 
Churches, b) r the See of Rome. As a chief means for 
accomplishing this, the latter sovereign established the 
University at Prague. But even among the Professors 
of this Institution, were to be found those, who protested 
most vehemently against the wide spread corruptions ; 
and who, fearless of human opposition, declared the Truth, 
both in their addresses from the Pulpit, and in their in- 
structions in the Schools. One of these champions was 
John Militsch, court chaplain at Prague, and the descen- 
dant of a noble family in Moravia ; — a learned, zealous, 
and pious man. By his sermons and writings, he pre- 
vailed upon many, both in Bohemia and other countries., 
to secede from the Romish Church. The king highly 
valued his services ; but the Pope hated Militsch ; and 
this hatred was increased in consequence of a journey to 
Rome, where he bore public testimony against the doc- 
trine and impiety of the Romish clergy. On his return 
he was imprisoned, but soon set at liberty, through fear 



THE UNITY OF THE BRETHREN. 1 1 

i of the i people, who esteemed him very much. After- 
wards he traveled into Moravia, Silesia, and Poland, 
where he died in peace, shortly before the mandate of 
the Pope had arrived, to punish him with the utmost se- 
verity, as an incorrigible heretic. 

Another worthy character, was Matthias Janowsky, 
for some years father-confessor to his Majesty. Enjoy- 
ing the confidence of his Sovereign, he prevailed on him 
to promote a reformation in the Church. The King hav- 
ing in consequence applied to the Pope, the latter was so 
incensed, that nothing would satisfy him, but the banish- 
ment of Janowsky. He however returned after some 
time, and ended his days in retirement, in J 394. His 
last addres$to his friends!, who surrounded his death-bed, 
is remarkable : — " The fury of the enemies has now 
the npperhand, but this will not always be the case ; for 
there will arise a despised people, without sword or pow- 
er, against whom they will not prevail ;" — adding, that 
only one of those present would see it. This was veri- 
fied sixty years after, in the case of Wenceslas, who at- 
tained so great an age, that he lived to see the formation 
of the Brethren's Church, of which he became a mem- 
ber. 

On the 6th of July 1373, was born in a small town, 
in the southern part of Bohemia, John Huss. He grew 
up in the midst of poverty ; but subsequently entered 
the University at Prague. His affectionate mother ac- 
companied him thither, and with a flood of tears, re- 
commended her child to the kind notice of the rector. 
Making rapid progress in his learning, he devoted much 
of his time to the study of the Sacred Scriptures, and of 
the Greek and Latin Fathers. In his twentieth year he 
became tutor, and soon after, public Professor of Divinity 
in the University. The writings of WicklifP were the 



* John Wickliff, " the Morning star of the Reformation," was 
born about the year 1324, in Yorkshire, England. He boldly at- 
tacked the jurisdiction of the Pope and the Bishops, who greatly 
feared him, and minutely observed his proceedings. He died in 
,1387, leaving many works behind him, for the establishment of his 



12 COMMENCEMENT OF 

means used by God, for illuminating the mind of Huss, with 
divine truth. Though at first greatly prejudiced against 
them* he still perused WieklifT's Works with serious at- 
tention, and was subsequently convinced, that they were 
conformable to the Holy Bible.- Such was his venera- 
tion for this English Reformer, that Huss used to call 
him, "an angel sent from heaven, to enlighten mankind;" 
and often remarked, that he looked forward to his meet- 
ing with that great and good man in heaven, as an event, 
which would heighten his everlasting happiness. The 
well-earned popularity of Huss, and his growing, success, 
now began to alarm his adversaries ; who saw numbers 
from among the nobles as well as common people, more 
ready to adhere to him, because they had not yet forgot- 
ten the artifice and violence, by means of which the Bo-- 
hemian and Moravian National Church, had been brought 
under the power of the Pope. — The most dangerous en- 
emy of Huss, was Archbishop Sliinek, who persuaded 
Pope Alexander V, to issue a decree, prohibiting the 
bold advocate of Gospel truth to preach in Bethlehem- 
chapel, at Prague, of which Huss was the regular minds* 
ter. He resolutely opposed the mandate, knowing it to 
be his duty to obey God, rather than man. The Clergy 
now accused him to Pope John XXIII, and he was sum* 
moned to appear in person, at Rome. Not venturing to 
go thither, this requisition was dispensed with, through 
the intercession of the royal family and nobility of Bohe- 
mia, and the members of the University at Prague ; and> 
his defence committed to three proctors, or attorneys. — » 
After several fruitless attempts to accommodate matters,, 
Huss was declared a heretic, and excommunicated ; and 
by a papal interdict, all religious worship was suspended^ 
in the city of Prague. These unjust proceedings did not 
abate the zeal of the Reformer. He eommended his 
cause to Jesus Christ, and published a solemn appeal to 

doctrines. WicklifT made the first English translation of the Bible, 
in the year 1370. According to an order from the Pope, his remains 
were, in 1428, dug out of his grave and burned, and the ashes thrown 
into a neighboring stream, that no vestige of him might remain. 



THE UNITY OF THE BRETHREN- 13 

Him, as the only Head of the Church. In order to les- 
sen the confusion and agitation which prevailed in the 
city, he retired to his native village, and preached there 
and in the neighboring towns, and even in the open fields, 
those doctrines, whick he knew and felt to be the power 
of God unto salvation, to all who believe. 

The whole Western Church, was at this time prepar- 
ing for the General Ecclesiastical Council, which was to 
be held at Constance, on the Lake of that name, in 
Switzerland, on the 1st November, 1414. Huss was 
summoned to appear, and a safe conduct furnished by 
the Emperor, Sigismund. He cheerfully obeyed, and 
declared that he deemed it an honor to have so fair an op- 
portunity afforded him, for clearing himself of the impu- 
tation of heresy. At his request he was furnished with 
(thodoxy, not only by the Archbishop Conrad, but even 
testimonials of oi^Ey the papal Inquisitorial Judge of Bo- 
hemia, Nicholas, Bishop of Nazareth. The King, who 
was now more favorably disposed towards Huss, than 
ever, commanded three of the most illustrious nobles 
to accompany him ; viz : Wenceslas de Duba, John de 
Chlum, and Henry de Laczenbock ; and recommended 
him moreover to the Fathers of the Council. 

In all the towns through which Huss passed, he was 
received with enthusiasm ; and the streets and roads were 
thronged by people of all ranks, to see him. He set out 
for Constance on the 11th of October, 1414. When he 
arrived at Nurenberg, he received the Imperial Letters of 
safety, dated Spires, October 18th; purporting, that the 
Emperor had taken the bearer, John Huss, on his jour- 
ney to the General Council, under his special protection ; 
<fec. He arrived at the place of his destination on the 3d of 
November ; and on the following day requested the Pon- 
tiff to grant him his protection, while in the city of Con- 
stance, in addition to the Imperial Letters of safety, 
which he already possessed. The Pope received the 
Bohemian Knights, whom Huss sent with this message, 
very politely ; and declared that no evil should befall 
him, as long as he remained at Constance. Instead of 



14 COMMENCEMENT OF 

being permitted to defend his cause before the whole 
Council, Huss was cited to appear before the Pope and 
a number of Cardinals ; and informed that he was im- 
peached for spreading false doctrines. His answer was, 
that he would rather die, than knowingly propagate a 
single untruth ; and that he was ready to retract any er- 
ror when convinced of it. Though the Cardinals ap- 
peared satisfied with this answer, he was not permitted 
to return to his lodgings ; but, contrary to the promise of 
his Holiness, and in defiance of the Emperor's safe-con- 
duct, he was put into confinement, in a dungeon un- 
der the tower of a Franciscan Monastery. The Empe- 
ror Sigismund, arrived in Constance, at Christmas, and 
Huss was soon after removed to the Castle of Gott- 
leben, beyond the Rhine, where he fell dangerously 
ill. At length the Emperor was prevailed on, to fix a 
time for his trial, in June 1415, which continued three 
successive days. The charges preferred against Huss, 
were either wholly unfounded, or consisted of the gross- 
est misrepresentations of the tenets advanced by him. 
Whenever he attempted to speak, he was overpowered 
by the noise and clamor of his adversaries; and when he 
referred to the Bible, as the only test, either of the truth 
or falsehood of the Doctrines he had propagated, he was 
loaded with insults, and denounced an obstinate and in- 
corrigible heretic. The Council having proclaimed him 
an Jlrch-heretie, he was conveyed back to his pri- 
son. Thither his most faithful and zealous friend, the 
Baron of Chlum, followed him, and took leave of him 
in these words: "My dear Huss, I am a man of no 
learning, and unfit to advise so learned a person as you. 
If you are convinced of any error, I venture however 
to advise you, to retract it ; if not, to endure whatever 
punishment shall be inflicted, rather than act against 
your conscience. Be of good cheer ; suffer yourself 
rather to be deprived of life, than of the truth of God's 
Holy Word."— 

The short interval between his condemnation and exe- 
cution, the Martyr employed in preparing himself for 



THE UNITY OF THE BRETHREN. 15 

death ; that, being strengthened with power from on high, 
he might meet it with Christian fortitude. He wrote 
many Letters to his friends, and to the people of his for- 
mer charge at the Bethlehem Church, in Prague. On 
the day fixed for his execution, being July 6th, 1415,. 
(which was his 43d birthday and a Saturday,) he was 
once more brought before the Council, in presence of 
the Emperor, the Princes of the Empire, and an im- 
mense concourse of people. A sermon was preached 
by the Bishop of Lodi ; and the charges advanced a- 
gainst Huss were read one by one. When he solicited 
permission to vindicate himself, this privilege was de- 
nied. Sentence being passed upon him, he knelt down, 
and; with great fervour commended his- cause to Jesus 
Christ the righteous Judge of all. No- time was now 
lost for executing the sentence; His books were burn- 
ed before his face ; and upon this he was habited in the 
vestments of a priest, with a chalice in his hand. The 
seven Bishops, who had been appointed to perform the 
task, now began the business of desecration; Tearing 
off a part of his robes as a sign of his being deprived of 
the priestly office, and. taking the cup out of his hand, 
one of them addressed him thus : 

" Thou cursed Judas ; who, having forsaken the coun- 
cil of peace, hast entered into that of the Jews ! Behold, 
we take from thee the cup, in which is the blood of Je- 
sus Christ. Thou art not worthy of Him." Huss replied 
with a loud voice: " I place all my hopes, and all my 
confidence in God my Saviour. He will never take 
from me the cup of salvation. Yea, I firmly believe, 
He will give me- to drink of: it this very day in His 
Kingdom." — Finally placing upon his head a paper mi- 
tre, on which figures of devils were painted, and the 
word Arch-heretic written in large characters, they pro- 
nounced these words : " We now deliver thy body to 
the civil power, and thy soul to the devil." Huss an- 
swered : " I rejoice to wear the crown of ignominy for 
His sake, who wore a crown of thorns for me." The 
Bishops repeated : " We commit thy soul to the devih"" 



18 "COMMENCEMENT OF 

*" But I," said the Martyr, " commit my Spirit into Thy 
hands, O Lord Jesus ! Unto Thee do I commend my 
soul, which Thou hast redeemed." — 

The Emperor, as Supreme Judge, now rose from his 
seat, and gave orders for the final execution of the sen- 
tence against Huss. He doomed him to the flames as an 
heretie, and commanded the Duke of Bavaria to see the 
sentence promptly executed. He was escorted to the 
place of execution by eight hundred men in armour ; and 
the concourse of people was so great, that the officers 
ivere obliged to shut the gates, and let out one company 
■after another, lest the bridge should be broken down by 
the immense weight. Huss's conduct during the pro- 
gress of the procession to the meadow, where stood the 
stake awaiting its victim, was edifying and cheerful. 
Arrived at the spot, he knelt down, and prayed with 
great fervency. Scarcely had he finished, before he 
was dragged away, by the executioners, and led thrice 
-around the pile of faggots, protesting meanwhile his in- 
nocence to the people. — He was now bound to the stake, 
with wet cords, and a chain fastened round his body. 
Before the fire was kindled, the Duke exhorted him to 
revoke his errors. Huss replied from the midst of the 
pile : " I call God to witness, that I never did write or 
teach the heretical doctrines imputed to me by false wit- 
nesses. I endeavored to preach Christ with plainness ; 
and I am now prepared to seal my doctrine with my 
blood." — As soon as the faggots were lighted, this faith- 
ful confessor of the Truth, sung and prayed repeatedly 
in a loud voice, saying : " Christ, Thou Son of God, 
have mercy upon me." At length the wind drove the 
smoke and flames into his face, and deprived him of 
speech. Yet his head and lips were observed to move 
for some time, as if engaged in prayer ; when God put 
an end to the sufferings of His servant, calling his soul 
into the mansions of eternal rest, at about eleven o'clock, 
in the forenoon. 

Thus was John Huss honored to be ranked with those 
worthies of old, " who overcame by the blood of the 



THE UNITY OF THE BRETHREN. 17 

Lamb, and l©ved not their lives unto the death;' 5 and 
his purified spirit, mounted on a chariot of fire, ascend- 
ed to the right hand of God. 

When the wood was consumed, and the corpse still 
suspended on the stake, the executioners thrust it with 
the stake int© the midst of the fire ; then added more 
wood, and burned the whole, with barbarous cruelty. 
Afterwards they dug out the earth, deep under the sur- 
face, and for a considerable space about the pile, and 
putting the whole into carts, conveyed it away, and 
threw it into the Rhine, that the friends of Huss might 
not be able to procure the smallest speck of his ashes ; 
and that the last traces of this holy witness of the Truth 
might be lost forever. 

The memory of Huss was long cherished by his coun- 
trymen ;-his nssuue and character were held in veneration ; 
— -and for many years, the day of his martyrdom, July 
6th, was observed in Bohemia, with religious solemni- 
ty. Before the close of 14-15, in which he suffered, 
the principal nobility of Bohemia, sent the following tes- 
timony to the Council of Constance, in honor of his 
character: — 

k4 We know not for what purpose you have condemn- 
ed John Huss, Bachelor of Divinity, and Preacher of 
the Gospel. You have put him to a cruel and ignomi- 
nious death, though convicted of no heresy. — We pro- 
test with the heart, as well as with our lips, that he was 
hottest, just, and orthodox ; — that for many years he 
had his conversation among us, with godly and blame- 
less manners ; — that during these many years, he ex- 
plained to us the Gospel, and the Books of the Old and 
New Testament, according to the Exposition of the ho- 
ly doctors, approved by the Church ; — and that he lias 
left writings behind him, in which he denounces all he- 
resy. He taught us to detest every thing heretical. He 
exhorted us to the practice of peace and charity ; and 
his own life exhibited a distinguished example of these 
virtues." 



18 COMMENCEMENT OF 

The Council, that had previously threatened all who 
favored the doctrines of Huss, with excommunication, 
did not deign to reply ; but issued a Circular, command- 
ing the adherents of the Papal communion in Bohemia, 
to assist, by every means in their power, in the extermi- 
nation of all heretics. This exposed the Hussites, (those 
persons who had espoused the cause of the Martyr,) to 
new and dreadful persecutions. — They were publicly ex- 
communicated by the Pope, and thrown into prison. 
Their property was confiscated ; — hundreds were cast 
into the deep mines near Huttenberg ; — many drowned, 
and others barbarously burned. — An upright Hussite 
clergyman, after suffering many cruelties, was, together 
with three farmers & four boys, placed on a pile of wood. 
Being once more exhorted to abjure all heresy, he re- 
plied : " God forbid ! We would, if it were possible, 
endure death not once only, but a hundred times, rather 
than deny the truth of the Gospel, solemnly revealed in 
the Bible." — While the fire was kindling, the clergyman, 
clasping the children in his arms, began a hymn of praise, 
in which all his companions joined, till they were suffo- 
cated by the flames. — 

Not all, however, who venerated the name of Huss, 
and desired a reform in Religion, were imbued with the 
meek and holy Spirit of the Gospel, which teaches the 
followers of the Saviour, to deny themselves, and learn 
of Him, not to resist, but patiently to suffer for His sake. 

The Council of Constance, being dissolved in 1418, 
and the Emperor Sigismund laying claim to the crown 
of Bohemia, after the sudden death of his brother Wen- 
ceslaus, from fright at the unexpected entrance of Zisca 
into Prague, in August 1419, those among the Hussites, 
who were disposed to defend their religious liberties, by 
force of arms, considered this as the proper time for com- 
mencing their operations. — Thus originated the Hussite 
war, which raged for thirteen years, and which was 
marked by inhuman cruelties on both sides. Under their 
renowned leader, Zisca, the Hussites were generally 
victorious ; and at length found themselves in peaceful 



THE UNITY OF THE BRETHREN. 19 

possession of ihe whole kingdom of Bohemia. The 
Emperor, acknowledging the superiority of his enemies, 
sent to them deputies with proposals for peace. A place 
was selected for a Congress ; but on his way thither, 
Zisca was infected by the plague, and died at the Castle 
ofPriscow, on the 12th of Oct. 1424. His body was 
buried in the great Church of Czarlow, in Bohemia, 
where a monument was erected to his memory, with the 
following inscription. " Here lies John Zisca, who, 
having defended his Country against the encroach- 
ments of Papal tyranny, rests in this hallowed place, 
in spite of the Pope" — 

Among those who had ranged themselves under the 
standard of Zisca, there existed much diversity of opini- 
on on religious subjects, and this state of things soon 
ended in open rupture. Persons of rank and learning, 
insisted chiefly, and almost exclusively, on: the restitu- 
tion of the chalice or cup, to the Taity, in the adminis- 
tion of the Holy Communion, and were hence called 
Calixtines. Others contended for the abolition of all 
popish errors and ceremonies. These, for the sake of 
greater safety, performed divine worship on a mountain, 
fortified by Zisca, and called Tabor, in the vicinity of 
Aust, a town in the district of Bechin. From this cir- 
cumstance they received the name of Taborites. Their 
party consisted of the most upright of the followers of 
Huss, and was daily augmented by vast numbers, who 
flocked to them from all parts of Moravia and Bohemia. 
Among the clerical leaders of the Calixtines, John Ro- 
kyzan distinguished himself. With other deputies of 
his party, and also of the Taborites, he appeared at the 
General Council, held at Basle, (Switzerland), in 143L 
After many long disputes, the following Principles, were 
at length agreed upon, in 1433. — " The Word of God 
shall be preached freely ; yet not without full powers on 
the part of the clerical heads, and the Supreme Power 
of the Pope, being acknowledged. The lands qf the 
Church shall be managed in conformity to the precepts 
of the Fathers ; — he who seizes them, commits sacri- 



50 COMMENCEMENT OF « 

lege. Though the enjoyment of the Holy Communion 
in one kind only, by the laity, was introduced into the 
Church on good grounds, yet the Council, in its supreme 
power, grants to the Bohemians, the privilege of enjoy- 
ing it in both kinds ; yet on this express condition, that 
no one person shall be prevented taking it in one kind, 
and that the people shall be taught expressly, that Christ 
exists entire in each separate kind." — 

The Taborites publicly declared, that they would nev- 
■er consent to this compromise, or unite at all, with the 
Romish Church. This presently led to a fresh civil 
war, in which the Calixtines took up arms against the 
Taborites, who were totally defeated ; — lost their exist- 
ence as a political party, and were soon entirely sup- 
pressed by the craft and violence of their enemies. Ro- 
kyzan was fully convinced of the truth of the doctrines 
taught by Huss ; but the hope of being promoted to the 
Arch-bishopric of Prague, exerted a strong influence up- 
on his mind ; and he used his utmost endeavors to pre- 
serve the Bohemians in union with the Church of Rome. 
His subsequent election, not being confirmed by the 
Pope, he again stepped forward as his zealous opponent. 
]N T or did Rokyzan content himself with mere verbal pro- 
fessions ; for by his exertions at the Council of Florence 
in 1450, 'he prevailed on the different Estates of the King- 
dom, to send a Deputation to the Patriarch of Constanti- 
nople, to solicit a re-union with the Greek Church, from 
which ihe Bohemians had at first received the Gospel. 
But before these negotiations were completed, the Turks 
took Constantinople, in 1453, and thus terminated the 
Greek Empire. 

From the time when Huss commenced his labors as a 
Preacher and Reformer, in the year 1400, to the settle- 
ment of a small remnant of his followers in the Barony 
of Lititz, Bohemia, in 1457, half a century had elapsed. 
During that period, there had been an incessant struggle 
between light and darkness, truth and falsehood, the. 
Kingdom of God aiul the powers of Satan. Many a 



THE UNITY OF THE BTtETHRES. 

valuable life had been sacrificed, either in diffusing a. 
defending divine truth, or in propagating and supporth 
error and falsehood. Many immortal spirits had been cit- 
ed to appear before their Maker and Judge ; some to re* 
ceive the crown of Life, and others to answer for their 
enmity to Him and His people. But all the while God 
was secretly working and maturing His own designs \ — 
designs which no human ingenuity can accelerate, and 
no human opposition retard. — The faith and sufferings of 
the Hussites in Bohemia, like those of the Waldenses in 
Italy and France, and of all their predecessors, who, un- 
der the banners of the Captain of their Salvation, had 
gone forth, conquering and to conquer, served to illumin- 
ate the dark regions of the earth ; to spread the know- 
ledge of the Lord ; and to bring nearer the fulfilment of 
divine prophecy : " The kingdom and dominion, and the 
greatness of the kingdom under the whole heaven, shall 
be given to the people of the saints of the Most High." 
(Dan. 7 v. 27.) 

The conflict in Bohemia, though attended with atroci- 
ties, w r hich make human nature shudder, terminated to 
the glory of God, and the benefit of the Church. When 
the strong arm of civil power was exerted to crush the ris- 
ing cause, and arrest the progress of divine truth in Bo- 
hemia, by the banishment of its friends, that very circum- 
stance eventually tended to diffuse the knowledge of the 
Holy Scriptures, and extend pure and undefiled Religion. 



II. 



At the head of the National Church stood the Arch- 
bishop, John Rokyzan, who might have continued the 
glorious work commenced by Huss, had he possessed 
the true faith, and not been misled by worldly feelings 
of pride and arrogance. For a time it appeared, as if he 



22 COMMENCEMENT 6fc 

would follow in the path laid open by the sainted Mar- 
tyr ; appearing zealous for the truth, and his evangeli- 
cal sermons leading to a revival among the descend- 
ants of the Hussites, especially of the Taborite party. — 
A congregation of true Believers was formed, which em- 
braced in its number the nephew of Rokyzan, Gregory, 
afterwards styled the Patriarch of the Brethren. The 
Archbishop encouraged them, but did not venture to give 
open assistance, from fear of man. Yet he promised to 
use his interest with the Regent, George Podiebrad, and 
if possible to persuade him to allow them a spot, where 
they might dwell in safety, and serve God with a clear 
conscience. In the sequel, a place of refuge was assigned 
them, on an Estate in the Barony of Lititz, belonging to 
the Sovereign, and situated on the confines of Moravia 
and Silesia. 

This district having been laid waste during the war, 
these confessors there established a colony and regulated 
their worship and discipline, according to their conscien- 
ces. From this small remnant of Believers originated a 
Branch of the Christian Church, which in ancient and 
modern times, and under every vicissitude of repose or 
persecution, has, by the blessing of God, firmly adhered 
to the doctrine of Christ crucified ; and, considering its 
slender means, has not been behind others in zeal and 
perseverance, in propagating the Truth, as it is in Jesus. 
Here was now laid the foundation for the Ancient Church 
of the Brethren. 

Many citizens of Prague, together with several noble- 
men and learned persons, from different parts of Bohe- 
mia and Moravia, removed to Lititz, in 1456. Their 
number increased so rapidly, that in three years they oc- 
cupied several villages. With regard to divine worship, 
they attended the ministry of certain Calixtine clergymen, 
residing in those parts ; — men, who were distinguished 
for their attachment it© pure doctrine, and for their godly 
walk and conversation. Among these was Michael Bra- 
dacius, parish-minister of the small town of Zamberg ; 
and a pious,, excellent old man. He and others of simi- 



THE UNITY OF THE BRETHREN. 23 

lar sentiments, abolished many superstitious ceremonies ; 
restored stricter church discipline, and admitted none to 
the Lord's Supper, who had not shown himself worthy 
of it, by his godly conduct. Complaints were soon lodged 
against them, by the enemies of a pure and undefiled reli- 
gion, and Bradaoius and his friends were forbidden to 
preach and administer the Sacrament. The pious follow- 
ers of Huss complained to Rokyzan and his assistant and 
colleague, Lupacius, soliciting an impartial investigation 
of this trying state of affairs. The former would pay no 
attention to their representations. But the latter advised the 
Brethren to go on steadily and firmly, as they had begun; 
and recommended them to take the Primitive Christian 
Church for their model, both as to doctrine and discipline. 
He also reminded them, how valiantly men had in for- 
mer years, fought in defence of the true faith ; but that 
the purity of the Church could not be effected or pre- 
served by bloodshed, murder, and deeds of violence ; and 
that good order, and a vigorous enforcement of a strict 
and wholesome discipline, would be the only means of 
doing it ; yea, that the corruptions of the day were ow- 
ing to the neglect of such good order and discipline. He 
heartily wished, that they could obtain ministers, chosen 
from their own body, and duly and lawfully ordained, 
for their congregations. 

Convinced that the measure proposed by Lupacius 
was the only one, which, under existing circumstances 
could be adopted, with any prospect of safety and suc- 
cess, they formed a close union among themselves., in the 
year 1457. This newly established church-fellowship, 
was founded solely on the rule and law of Christ.^They 
called themselves Brethren and Sisters ; and assumed 
the general appellation of Fratres Legis Christi ; that 
is : Brethren of tlie Law of Christ. But as this name 
caused some ignorant persons to look upon them as a new 
and peculiar order of monks, they exchanged it for that 
of Fratres, Brethren ; — and, when great numbers of per- 
sons of similar religious sentiments from Moravia, had 
joined them, they adopted the name. of Unitas Fratrum ; 



24 COMMENCEMENT OF 

meaning, The Unity of the Brethren, or The United 
Brethren, in 1460 ; and this name has been evey since 
retained.* 

After having prepared the ground- work of a regular 
Ecclesiastical Constitution, they in 1465, at the Synod 
of Lhota, elected by majority of votes, three Elders, to 
whom was intrusted the general superintendence of all 
their concerns. Among these was Gregory, the nephew 
of Rokyzan, who, on account of his piety, wisdom, and 
insight into divine things, was venerated as a Father and 
Patriarch by the Brethren. The two others were Pro- 
copius and Clenovius. This was the final step towards 
a separation from the Bohemian National Church ; which 
the persecutions, that began in 1461, compelled the Breth- 
ren to take. They were not only denounced as heretics, 
but accused of a design to renew the disturbances of the 
Taborites, and foment sedition, in order to seize the reins 
of Government. During this persecution, the Brethren 
in Moravia were declared outlaws, expatriated, and de- 
spoiled of their property. The sick and infirm were, in 
the depth of winter, driven into the fields, and many died 
of cold and hunger. Many perished in deep dungeons, 
others were inhumanly tortured and burned, and the re- 
mainder fled to the thickest forests ; where, fearing to be 
discovered in the daytime, they kindled their fires only 
at night; and around them spent their hours in reading 
the Scriptures and in prayer. During these trying times, 
the Elders and overseers of the Brethren, did all in their 
power to assist the sufferers ; to encourage them in the 
faith ; and to admonish them to endure patiently ; and' 
this they did at the risk of their lives. With this view, 
Gregory went to Prague in 1461, and met a number off 

* The term Brethren's ChurcJk T or simply Brethren, has been 
generally substituted for that of Unitas Fratrum. But to distinguish 
ourselves from another Denomination, in this country, called The 
United Brethren, it was agreed by the Provincial Synod, which 
met last May, (1847,) in Bethlehem, Pa., to adopt the title of Moravi- 
an Brethren, in place of the usual one, United Brethren commonly 
called Moravians* 



THE UNITY OF THE BRETHREN^ 25> 

the Brethren assembled in a house, for tfhe purpose of 
celebrating the Lord's Supper. At the dose of the meet- 
ing, he was arrested by a magistrate, and led to prison. 
While on the rack, he fell into a swoon, and was sup- 
posed to be dead. On hearing this, his uncle Rokyzan 
hastened to the spot, and lamented oveT him, saying : 
"O my dear Gregory, would to God, I were where thou 
art !" — Having recovered from his swoon, Gregory was 
set at liberty, and became principal leader in the Breth- 
ren's Church. He lived till 1474, and continued like 
an aged and practised soldier of Jesus Christ, to encour- 
age younger and less experienced Believers, to be firm inJ 
confessing the truth as it is in Jesus. 

Hardships continued to press most severely upon the 
Brethren, who were eventually compelled to flee to the 
mountains and forests, for shelter and repose from the 
cruel hand of persecution. But these trials and afflictions, 
did not prevent them from maintaining a close unity and 
fellowship among themselves. By the advice of their 
Elders, these scattered flocks were occasionally conven- 
ed in a Synod, when they deliberated upon such subjects 
as would tend most to their own safety, and to the glory 
of God. When we recollect, that most of their assem- 
blies, exposed to detection by their enemies, were held 
in the forests, and that many who attended them, came 
from a considerable distance, we shall be constrained to 
admire the zeal and fortitude, which they showed for the 
cause of Religion, and to revere the watchful care of Di- 
vine Providence over them. 

A most important subject of deliberation, both at their 
Synods, and at other times, was, how to maintain a regu- 
lar succession of their Ministers, when those, who now 
exercised the ministry, and who had been previously 
ordained among the Calixtines, should be removed by 
death or other causes. For the purpose of coming to a 
final decision on this point, a Synod was convened in the 
year 1467, at Lhota, in Bohemia. Seventy persons- 
were assembled, consisting of ministers, noblemen, schol- 
ars, citizens, and peasants ; deputed by the several Con>- 



26 COMMENCEMENT OP 

gregations in Moravia and Bohemia. Having opened 
their deliberations in the most solemn and impressive 
manner, they proceeded to the nomination of twenty 
men, of blameless reputation, and acknowledged in- 
sight and experience in the ways of God, and divine 
truth ; from among whom nine were chosen, being in the 
opinion of the Synod, duly qualified for the office of the 
ministry. Of this number, they determined that three 
should be determined by lot, for the ministerial office.- — 
In a case of such emergency as the present, which in- 
volved most important consequences to their whole 
Church, these Brethren considered, that they were not 
acting contrary to Scripture, by adopting this mode, re- 
posing implicit confidence in the Lord, who alone hath 
the disposal of the lot ; and beseeching, that He would 
counsel them according to His will. 

Matthias of Kunewalde, (who was only twenty-five 
years of age,) Thomas of Preschelauz, and Elias of Kre- 
schenuw, were confirmed by the lot. The whole assem- 
bly now joined in a solemn act of thanksgiving to God, 
joyfully receiving these three men as their pastors and 
teachers ; and then the transaction was closed by the ce- 
lebration of the Holy Communion, as instituted byChrist. 
The Brethren, however soon found, that the work was 
not yet complete. In their own opinion the appointment 
of these men for the ministry of the Gospel, in the man- 
ner described, was sufficiently valid ; but they knew, it 
required something more, to give it equal sanction with 
other churches. They required regular ecclesiastical 
ordination ; — the solemn consecration to their office, by 
the imposition of the hands of a minister, already conse- 
crated and empowered to ordain. The Brethren could 
not expect to receive this from the Romish Church ; and 
therefore resolved to request it of the Waldenses, who had 
existed for a long period, as a distinct body of Christians ; 
and traced the succession of their Bishops, from the times 
of the Apostles. Accordingly the Brethren chose three 
of their ministers, who were already in priests' orders, 
and sent them to the Waldensian Bishop Stephen. Be- 



THE UNITY OF THIS BRETHREN. 27 

ing informed of the object of their visit, the state of the 
Unity of the Brethren, and the transactions of the Synod, 
he received them with demonstrations of the most cordial 
joy. Hereupon he ordained these three Presbyters, 
Bishop* of the Brethren's Church, with imposition of 
hands, being assisted by another Bishop, and in presence 
of the Elders. Michael llradacins is the only one, whose 
name has, with any certainty, been handed down to poster* 
ity. He had from the very commencement of the Church 
of the Brethren, rendered it essential service, and merit- 
ed an honorable distinction. Of the other two, one had 
previously exercised the ministry among the Waldenses. 
and the other in the Romish Church/ 

Scarcely had these three regularly ordained Bishop* 
returned to their Brethren, when another Synod was con- 
voked, at which the three persons lately appointed by 
lot for the ministerial office, were ordained Presbyters of 
the Church. One of them, Matthias of Kunewai.de, was, 
before the close of the Synod, consecrated Bishop, and 
thence considered as the first in rank. On account of the 
abuse made of the name of Bishop in the Romish Church, 
and in order to prevent the pomp of hierarchical power, 
which had been connected with it, the Brethren were in 
the habit of calling their Bishops, Seniors or Elders of 
the Church. The first four Seniors were assisted in 
their arduous duties by ten Con-seniors, or Co-bishops ; 
elected from the body of Presbyters. 

The most intimate connexion existed between the 
Brethren and the Waldenses, and the expediency of form- 
ing a complete union ef the two Churches, was fully ex- 
amined at the above mentioned Synod. But this project- 
ed connexion was defeated by a bloody persecution, set 
on foot against the Waldenses, during which many per- 
ished at the stake, among whom was their last surviving 
Bishop, Stephen, who was burned in Vienna. Subse- 
quently many of the Waldensian refugees came into Mo- 
ravia and Bohemia, and there joined the Brethren's 

According to the authority of Regenvolscius. 



28 COMMEKCEMBNT OF 

Church, whereby its congregations received a considera- 
ble accession of numbers. 

When it became known, that the Brethren had ob- 
tained a regularly organized Ecclesiastical Constitution, 
a severe Edict was issued against them, at the instiga- 
tion of Rokyzan, by the Diet assembled at Prague, in 
1468. The scenes of distress that followed, are inde- 
scribable. All the prisons in Bohemia, and particularly 
at Prague, were soon crowded ; and Michael, the first 
Bishop, remained in close confinement from 1468, until 
the death of the King, Podiebrad, in 1471. Many died 
of hunger, and others were treated with the utmost bar- 
barity. This persecution raged with little abatement till 
the death of the King, which was soon followed by that 
of Rokyzan, in the same year, 1471. Ten years later, 
their adversaries succeeded so far in their plots of exter- 
mination, that the Brethren in Moravia were banished 
from the country. Many of these poor, harrassed exiles, 
wandered through Hungary and Transylvania, into Mol- 
davia, where they were kindly received and protected 
by the Government. But tranquillity having be£n restor- 
ed, they returned to their own country, in 1487. War hav- 
ing broken out in Moravia, the Brethren enjoyed a short 
repose, during which, however, unfortunately for them- 
selves, a schism arose in their own body. One party 
zealously propagated the opinion, that no Christian could 
consistently hold an office under Government, and bear 
arms ; and accused those r who maintained the contrary, 
that they considered it no sin to defend their religion with; 
the sword. Tjhe enemies of the Brethren, glad of a pre- 
text for destroying their Church, seized on this false ac- 
cusation, and, in 1503, prevailed on Ladislaus, King 
of Bohemia, to consent to their extirpation, as a 
most dangerous sect, that designed to repeat the horrors, 
committed under Zisca. — But many of the States, assem- 
bled at the Diet, protested against this ; — avowed the in- 
nocence of the Brethren ; and declared, that they would 
never consent to have their best subjects thus unjustly 
expelUd*. and even murdered. At this time also, God 



THE UNITY OF THK BRETHREN. 29 

delivered His faithful followers from all their fears. The 
calm, which ensued, was however of but short duration. 
Their cruel enemies still thirsted for their blood ; and by 
various artifices, by false accusations, and by the solici- 
tations of the Queen, they prevailed on the King, in 
1506, to sign a new Edict for their apprehension. The 
persecution meanwhile commenced here and there ; some 
Brethren were exiled or imprisoned ; and others tortured 
and burned. Subsequently the King rescinded this Edict. 
Two years after, another, but unsuccessful attempt, was 
made, to have a Decree lor the apprehension of the Breth- 
ren, embodied in the Legal Code of the Empire. This 
project being defeated, the blood-thirsty persecutors grew 
only the more exasperated, and, with incredible tenacity, 
persisted in meditating the destruction of the innocent. 
Finally, by the intrigues of the Imperial Chancellor, 
Kollowrath, and his assessors at the Diet, in Cuttem- 
berg, the Decree just referred to, was, in 1510, enacted 
as a Law of the Empire. 

On his return from this Diet, the Chancellor stopped 
at. the house of a certain Baron. During dinner he re- 
lated with great glee, what had been unanimously re- 
soLved, respecting the Brethren. The baron, looking al 
hiswalet, who was a member of their Church, asked: 
— u What do you say to this, Simon ?" The valet re- 
plied : " All have not consented." — The Chancellor, in 
great irritation, demanded of him, who those traitors 
were, that dared to oppose the will of the States ? — Si- 
mon lifting up his hand, boldly answered : "There is Out 
seated above ; it' He hath not approved your counsel, it 
will come to nought." — This reply exasperated the 
(Chancellor still more; who, with an oath, and striking 
ithe table with his fist, exclaimed : " You villain ! You 
: shall fare no better than the rest; or may I never reach 
my home in health." — On the road he was seized with 
an inflammation of the legs, of which he died in a few 
days. A similar fate befell Bosek, Archbishop of Hun- 
L r ary, and the faithful coadjutor of the chancellor. When 
.alighting from his carriage, he wounded himself so dan- 



30 COMMENCEMENT OF 

gerously, that he did not survive many days 7 ;. The aw- 
ful and sudden death of these two most powerful ene- 
mies of the Brethren, intimidated the rest ;, and the per- 
secution was not very general. A few individuals, how- 
ever, were honoured to suffer for the; Truth's sake. 
Thus a nobleman caused six Brethren to> be burned in 
the town of Bor, where he resided. — They walked cheer- 
fully to the place of execution, testifying* that they died 
in the faith of Jesus Christ, who was th^e only propitia- 
tion for the sins of the world, and the only hope of Be- 
lievers. — One of them, named Nicholas, who was in fa- 
vor with the judge, had the offer of pardon made him, 
in case he would recant, being allowed a whole year for 
consideration. After a short pause, he replied, that as 
he would be as unwilling a year hence to deny his faith, 
as now, he would prefer suffering in.* company with his 
dear Brethren, rather than afterwards by himself. 

A most important work undertaken by the Brethren, 
when they had obtained some respite from persecution, 
was the translation and printing of the Bible, in the Bo- 
hemian Language. They were the first people, who em- 
ployed the newly invented art o£printmg, for the public 
cation of the Bible, in a living tongue. The first edition 
was published at Venice, about the year 1470, Bieingthe 
oldest known version of the Holy Scriptures in? any Eu- 
ropean language. The sale of the Sacred Volume, hith 
erto almost unknown, was so rapid, that in a short time, 
two new editions were printed at Nuremberg. The 
Brethren afterwards established a Printing Office at 
Prague, another at Jung B^intzlau in Bohemia, and a 
third at Kralitz in Moravia, which for some time were 
solely occupied in printing Bohemian Bibles. Before 
the Reformation by Luther, in 1517, the Brethren had 
issued three editions of the Scriptures. 

After a long night of intellectual and spiritual darkness, 
barely rendered visible by the- scanty rays of Scripture 
light, bursting forth at intervals, it pleased God, in the 
beginning of the sixteenth century, to remove from a 
great portion of nominal Christendom, the thick veil.o^ 



THE UNITY OF THE BRETHREN. 31 

ignorance, and " to destroy the face of the covering,' ' 
(Ish. 25. v. 7,) which had concealed from man the know- 
ledge of His Holy Word. Martin Luther was God's in- 
strument, in once more restoring to the World, the free 
use of the Sacred Scriptures ; and liberating a large por- 
tion of mankind, from the thraldom of superstition and 
error. It was not long before the news of the exertions 
of this celebrated Reformer reached the Brethren. — A 
century had elapsed since the death of Huss, who, 

" the victim of perfidious foes, 
To heaven upon a fiery chariot rose ; 
And ere he vanish'd, with a Prophet's breath 
Foretold th' immortal triumphs of his death." — 
But one of his last sayings was not forgotten, when 
addressing his judges in these words : " A hundred years 
iience, you shall render an account of your doings to 
God and to me." — These words seemed now likely to 
be verified ; and the prayers and hopes of the Brethren, 
for a General Reformation in Religion, to be realized. — 
Among their most active men, was Lucas, Bishop of 
Prague, who, for a period of fifty years, served th$ 
church, by his writings, and his improvement of the rit- 
ual, and in other ways. — In 1522, the Brethren deputed 
John Horn and Michael Weiss,* to visit the great Ger- 
man Reformer ; to present him the sincere gratulations 
of their whole body ; to express the cordial interest they 
took in his labors, and the lively joy they felt at the suc- 
cess, with which it had pleased God to crown his exer- 
tions ; and to give him a faithful account of their Doc- 
trine and Constitution. They afterwards renewed their 
intercourse with him, and in 1536 transmitted to Luther 
their Cofession of Faith. He was so well pleased with 
this Document, that he caused it to be printed at Wit- 
temberg, with a recommendatory preface, from his own 
pen, in which he declares, that his former prejudices a- 
gainst the Brethren had totally vanished, and that he re- 



* This Brother edited the first German Hymn-Bookc with the 
Times, that was ever printed. 



32 COMMENCEMENT OF 

speeted and ikved them, for the purity of their faith and 
practice. Bering their conferences with Luther and his 
associates, Melancthon, Bucer, and Calvin, a beautiful 
example of mutual candor, and a readiness in each party 
to acknowledge the real excellencies of the other, appear- 
ed most conspicuous. Though no close external con- 
nexion was formed between the Reformers and the Breth- 
ren, because the latter feared, that such a step might, by 
degrees, deprive their ohureh of its Scriptural discipline ; 
yet both parties cultivated reciprocal friendship and broth- 
erly love. Luther died in 1546 ; and in the same year, 
Charles V, Emperor of Germany, commenced a war a- 
gainst the Protestants, which raged in many parts of the 
Empire for two years. The Bohemians, refusing to as- 
sist their King Ferdinand, who was one of the Empe- 
ror's allies, were declared rebels, and their refusal chief- 
ly ascribed to the Brethren. Heavy penalties and punish- 
ments were inflicted on them ; many were expelled from 
the country, and six hundred thrown into prison. A- 
mong the latter, was their oldest Bishop, John Augusta, 
who was treated with ruthless cruelty. His daily al- 
lowance of bread and water, was barely sufficient to sup- 
port nature ; and he was frequently scourged, and three 
times put on the rack, in order to extort from him a con- 
fessbai of his Brethren's supposed guilt. His Christian 
fortitude and fervent prayers, at length made his torment- 
ors relent ; but he lingered sixteen years in confinement, 
and was not liberated, till after the death of King Ferdi- 
nand. 

George Israel, Augusta's successor in the Episcopacy, 
met wiith similar hard usage ; but eventually effected his 
escape. Relying on the protection of God, and having 
dressed himself like a clerk, with a pen behind his ear, 
and some paperandan inkhorn in his hand, he ventured in 
broad day light to quit his confinement in the Castle of 
Prague. He passed the guards un noticed, and traveled 
into Prussia. In many places, the Churches of the Breth- 
ren were now shut up, and their ministers either banish- 
ed, or made prisoners. A numerous body, conducted 



TKS TJXITY OF THB BRETHREN. S3 

by their Bishop, Matthias Syon, emigrated to Poland, 
and thence into Prussia. Duke Albert, who had before 
offered them land in his dominions, received them with 
open arms ; and an Edict, dated March 19th, 1549, was 
issued, conferring on the Brethren the same civil rights, 
which were enjoyed by his other subjects. Upon the 
Duke's death, the sojourners were again required, either 
to relinquish their own church-constitution, or quit Prus- 
sia, The majority preferring to do the latter, many re- 
tired into Poland, and the rest returned to Moravia. In 
the space of six years, forty congregations were collect- 
ed in Great Poland, mostly by the Bishop, George Is- 
rael.* 

About the same time, the doctrines of the Reformation 
were propagated also in Little Poland, by some Swiss 

* On a certain occasion, in 1551, when George Israel was desi- 
rous of leaving Thorn, through which city he was passing, on his 
way to visit the Brethren of Posen, he was compelled to cross the 
Vistula on the ice, as the bridge had been removed, through fear 
of a sudden rise of the waters. He therefore, one morning, went to 
examine if the ice were sufficiently strong, for crossing on horse- 
back. Finding a well-beaten track, he believed that a loaded wag- 
on would be in no danger, and he therefore proceeded on foot, in 
order to examine the ice on the other arm of the Vistula, beyond 
an island, near the middle of the stream. Though he found sever- 
al holes, still no fissures were visible. — When on his way back to 
the city, the ice near the island was suddenly broken, by a strong 
swell, and George found himself on a small fragment, carried down 
the stream by the strong current. In this dangerous situation he 
called aloud to God for help, repeating at the same time the 148th. 
Psalm. Strengthened by his firm reliance on the Lord, he now 
leaped from one floating fragment to another, and gradually ap- 
proached the land. A crowd on shore observed him in his perilous 
situation, and encouraged him by their calls, to persevere. — The 
prayers of George were not unavailing, and very soon he gained 
the shore, a short distance from the city. Every person was aston- 
ished at his miraculous escape, and many citizens, seeing the hand 
of the Lord in his preservation, went and congratulated him, upon 
his safety. And George himself, in a Sermon, returned public 
thanks to God, his preserver. For many years this event was al- 
ways recalled to the minds of the inhabitants of Thorn, whenever 
George Israel made his appearance in the city. — Regenvokcius, 



34 : COMMENCEMENT OF 

divines, with considerable success. These ministers 
cultivated cordial friendship with the Brethren, and de- 
sired to form a close alliance with their Church. In or- 
der to effect this, a Synod was convened at Cosminiec 
in 1555, attended by ministers and delegates from both 
Churches, and a closer union formed, which was sanc- 
tioned by the divines of the Reformed Church in Switz- 
erland, in the following year. In 1557, took place the 
Union of the Polish? Bohemian, and Moravian Breth- 
ren, at the Synod of Sleza ; and at another, convened 
at Xians, in 1560, were discussed the Deetrine ;■ — and 
the Evangelical System adopted ;— and the subject of 
Church- Government, which was warmly debated, both 
parties insisting on their own opinions with no small per- 
tinacity. At length it was resolved, by a plurality of 
votes, to adopt the Constitution of the Brethren, with a 
single modification, that the Bishop should be joined by 
a Senior-Civilis, or Lay-Elder, in the superintendence 
of every district or diocese, the number of which amount- 
ed in Little Poland to seven, and m Lithuania to six. The 
Union of these two Churches, displeased the Lutherans 
in Great Poland ; who discussed the subject at three 
several Synods with the Brethren ; which discussions 
paved the way for the celebrated Synod at Sendomir, 
assembled in the month of April, 1570. — Turnovius was 
the principal speaker, on the part of the Brethren. — 

After many fruitless attempts to agree to a new Con- 
fession of Faith, to be received by all the Protestants in 
Poland, the Synod at length came to the unanimous re- 
solution, that each party should retain its own Confes- 
sion of Faith and Church-discipline, without thereby dis- 
solving the general bond of love and Christian union be- 
tween their respective Churches ; as there existed no 
difference of opinion among them on any fundamental 
doctrine of Religion. The different subjects, embraced 
in the Resolutions of this Synod, were afterwards em- 
bodied in a public Document, which was called Consen- 
sus Sendomeriensis ; (The Agreement of Sendomir ;) 
and at subsequent Synods this Agreement was confirm- 



THE UNITY OF THE BRETHREN. 35 

ed. But at the one held in 1582, at Posen, the prevail- 
ing unanimity was interrupted. In the hope of allaying 
the ferment which arose and was spreading, a General 
Synod was convened at Thorn in 1595. Its results 
however, did not correspond with the wishes of the 
friends of union. The Lutheran- party hroke off all con- 
nexion with the other two Churches, and the Union be- 
tween the Reformed (Calvinists) and the Brethren, was 
more firmly cemented. — It is difficult to arrive at a satis- 
factory conclusion, how far the transactions in Poland, 
were beneficial or injurious to the Church of the Breth- 
ren. It is certainly the duty of all, who call themselves 
the disciples of Jesus, to cultivate to the utmost of their 
power, the spirit of love, and avoid whatever might need- 
lessly break the bond of union. But union may be too 
dearly bought. And that this was the ease here, seems 
to have been the opinion of Amos Comenius, the last 
Bishop of the Ancient Brethren's Church, who expres- 
ses his disapprobation in rather strong terms. 

While these transactions were going on in Poland, 
the Moravian Branch of the Brethren's Church was a- 
gain privileged to open its sanctuaries, (which had been 
closed for nearly twenty years,) by the act of Maximili- 
an II, Emperor of Germany ; who in 1564 rescinded 
all the Edicts which his predecessor had issued against 
them. The season of repose that followed, was em- 
ployed by the Brethren, for the advancement of vital re- 
ligion. Under the presideney of their pious Bishops, 
John Augusta and Matthias Erythreus, they held fre- 
quent Synods, one of which was attended, besides the 
Clergy, by seventeen Bohemian grandees, and one hun- 
dred and fifty-six noblemen. This circumstance shows 
how widely the doctrine of Protestantism had spread in 
a country, by no means of large extent, and whose Gov- 
ernment in Church and state, was popish ; and how in- 
effectual the most cruel persecutions are, to eradicate the 
seed of the Gospel, when it has once taken firm root. 
At the Synod last referred to, a most important subject 
of deliberation was a new version of the Bible into the 



3 6 COMMENCEMENT 0* 

Bohemian language, from the Originals, the translation 
hitherto in use, having been chiefly made from the Latin 
Vulgate. — To render this work as perfect as possible, 
they sent some students of Divinity to the Universities 
of Wittemberg and Basle, to acquire a more extensive 
knowledge of Hebrew and Greek. They were accom- 
panied by Lucas Helitz, a baptized Jew from Posen, 
and a minister of the Gospel, who was considered a very 
learned and pious man. Having finished their studies, 
they assembled at the Castle of Kralitz, in Moravia, and 
commenced their labors, (in l«f79,) being assisted by 
several of the Brethren's ministers, under the special su- 
perintendence of their Bishop, John Aeneas. — In order 
to facilitate the business, Baron Scherotin established a 
printing-office at his Castle of Kralitz. The translators 
spent fourteen years in completing their work. The 
high value of this version, is sufficiently evident, from 
the many editions through which it has passed. 

The Diet assembled at Prague in 1575, issued an E- 
dict, allowing all the Protestants in Bohemia, to form a 
General Union among themselves, by the adoption of a 
Confession of Faith, to which all parties should agree. 
Delegates from the Lutherans, the Reformed, and the 
Brethren met in a truly Christian spirit, and framed an 
Agreement, to which all parties cheerfully assented. 

The want of regular Institutions for the Education of 
their youth, having been for a considerable time felt by 
the Brethren, they resolved in 1584, to establish Acade- 
mies and Colleges of their own. — It being necessary to 
obtain permission from Government, to engage in such 
an undertaking, they, jointly with the other Protestants, 
drew up a Memorial upon this subject. On presenting 
it to the Emperor, he refused their petition, promising 
however, that attention should be paid to it, at a more 
convenient season. In 1609, Rudolph II., who succeed- 
ed Maximilian II., by Imperial Letters Patent, granted 
and secured to all the Protestants in Bohemia and Mo- 
ravia, the free exercise of their Religion. The Jesuits 
used every exertion to exclude the Brethren from this 



TliB tJftlfY OP tHB BRETHREN. S? 

privilege ; but in vain. The increase in numbers and 
respectability, which this newly acquired liberty procu- 
red, by degrees had an injurious influence on the inter- 
nal state of their Church, whose sincere members deep- 
ly lamented this degeneracy. 

After the death of Rudolph II., in 1612, the popish 
clergy adopted the most violent measures, to enforce the 
Resolutions of the Council of Trent, (convened in 1545,) 
for suppressing Protestantism ; and it was determined to 
begin this work in Bohemia and Moravia. The oppres- 
sed inhabitants flew to arms, and the Brethren were in- 
volved in the distress which ensued, and which terminat- 
ed in the almost total destruction of the Protestants, who 
had been defeated by the Imperial troops, in the battle 
fought in 1620, on the White Mountains, near Prague.* 
During this persecution the Brethren were compelled to 
leave the country, and the Baron, Charles Scherotin, 
who had afforded an asylum and protection to twenty- 
four of their Bishops and Ministers, was also forced to 
emigrate with them. In the course of a few years, all 
the Protestant Churches and Schools, throughout Bohe- 
mia and Moravia, were for ever closed. Diligent search 
was made by the minions of the Pope, for every copy 
of the Bible, and all Protestant books, which were com- 
mitted to the flames, together with all the utensils used 
by them in the performance of Divine worship. 

The rage of their enemies was first vented on the 
Teachers of religion, and they then strove to get rid of 
the noble patrons of the Protestants. On the 19th of 
June, 1621, sentence of death was pronounced upon a 
number who had been imprisoned. Pardon of all past 
offences being promised, on condition of their joining 
the Romish Church, their firmness remained unshaken. 
Besides twenty-seven patrons, all persons of rank, whose 
upright conduct and real piety had gained for them gene- 
ral esteem, a great many persons in trade, and others, 
were executed. 

* During the Thirty Years' War, from 1618—1648, 



"88 COMMENCEMENT OF 

On June 21st, 1621, at five o'clock in the morning, 
the firing of a cannon announced the time for execution. 
On hearing this, the prisoners in the Castle of Prague, 
embraced and encouraged each other to fortitude, im- 
ploring strength from on high, to remain faithful unto 
death.— The first led to the scaffold, was Count Schlick, 
who, during the reign of Frederic, had been Governor 
of Bohemia, and the principal patron of the Brethren's 
Church ; — a man of superior talents, and unquestionable 
piety. Before placing his head on the block, he turned 
to the rising sun, and said : " O Christ, Thou Sun of 
Righteousness, help me to pass through the darkness 
of death, unto thine everlasting light." 

He was followed by Wenceslaus of Budowa, likewise 
a member of the Brethren's Church. — He was a man of 
considerable learning, and under the Emperor Rudolph, 
had held several high offices. He was now seventy-four 
years of age. Having conveyed his family to a place of 
security, and being asked why he did not consult his 
own personal safety, he replied : " My conscience will 
not let me abandon the good cause ; it may be the Lord's 
will that I shall seal it with my blood." Hearing after- 
wards, that it was reported he died of grief, he said with 
a smile ; "How ? I died of grief ? — Never have I tasted 
greater j©y, than in my present situation." Putting his 
hand on the Bible, he added : " This paradise has never 
offered me sweeter fruits, than it does at this moment. — 
I live, and shall live as long as God pleases ; and the day 
shall never come, when it shall be «aid — " Budowa died 
of grief "Several times during his imprisonment he had 
been visited byCapuchinMonks and Jesuits, who told him 
they were desirous of saving his soul. By Scriptural 
quotations, he so exposed their ignorance, that ashamed, 
they left him, as an incorrigible heretic. Having mount- 
ed the scaffold the venerable man uncovered his head, 
and stroking down his silver locks, he said : u Behold 
my grey hairs ; what honor is conferred upon them, to 
be encircled with a Martyr's crown." 

After some others had suffered, Baron von Kapplich 



THE UNITY OF THE BkBTHREN. 39 

was called out. He was an old man of perhaps eighty- 
six years, who had honorably served the state. When 
ordered to execution, he said : " In the name of God, I 
am ready. I have waited long enough." His servants 
now assisted him to rise from the chair, and led him gent- 
ly forward. He had sent to the executioner, requesting him 
to strike the blow instantly, as soon as he should have knelt 
down ; lest, if the stroke were delayed he should sink to 
the ground through weakness. The good old man, stoop- 
ed so much in kneeling, that the executioner would not 
venture to strike. This being perceived by the minister 
who had attended him, he called out : " My lord, you 
have committed your soul to Christ; raise now cheer- 
fully your hoary head, and look towards heaven." Ex- 
erting all his strength, he raised his head, and while he 
exclaimed ; — " Lord Jesus into Thy hands I commit 
my spirit ;"— it was severed from his body atone blow. 

Not less strengthened during the last conflict, was 
Henry Otto of Loss, also one of the patrons of the Breth- 
ren, and a man who had held a high situation under 
Government. Having ascended the scaffold, he fell 
prostrate and spent a few minutes in silent prayer. Then 
rising up, he put off his upper garment, kneeled down, 
and exclaimed : " Lord Jesus, into Thy hands I com- 
mend my spirit. Have mercy on me, and receive me 
into Thine everlasting kingdom.'" 

With equal fortitude, did all the other confessors mani- 
fest the reality of their faith and hope, by joyfully laying 
down their lives, for the testimony of the Gospel.— 

In this manner did the Church of Rome, by her tyran- 
ny over the consciences of men, depopulate whole coun- 
tries ; and sacrifice to the rage of her hierarchy, the lives 
and property of many thousands of the most upright and 
valuable members of the state ; and this work of destruc- 
tion in Bohemia and Moravia, did not cease till 1527. 

III. 

The connecting link between the Ancient and Modern 
Church of the Brethren, is John Amos Comenius, who 



40 COMMENCEMENT 0* 

was born in Moravia, on the 28th March, 1592. He 
early devoted himself to the ministry of the Gospel, and 1 
in 1618 was chosen minister of the Brethren's Congre- 
gation, at Fulneck, in that country. 

During the persecution which was carried on, some 1 
years later, he emigrated to Poland, in 1627. He chose 
Lissa for his place of residence, and at a Synod held there 
in 1632, he was consecrated a Bishop of the Brethren's 
Church. 

Being one of the most distinguished scholars of the age r 
the fame of his learning and of his celebrated talents for 
the instruction of youth, was widely circulated. He re- 
ceived invitations to Sweden, Transylvania, and Eng- 
land, in which countries he laboured with much success, 
for the improvement of schools. During the Thirty 
Years' War, which began in 1618, Comenius made re- 
peated and earnest applications to all the Protestant Prin- 
ces, and particularly to the English Nation, to patronize 
the suffering Church to which he belonged. But when 
no provision was made for it in the Treaty of Peace, 
concluded at Westphalia, in 1648, he relinquished all 
hope of obtaining help from man. 

Believing that by the Providence of God, the Breth- 
ren's Church would in time experience a Renewal, Co- 
menius in 164£, published a History of the same, with a 
Dedication (which he calls his last will and testament)-. 
to the Church of England, bequeathing to it the memo- 
rials of his peopfe* 

Intent on doing all in his power to preserve the Mar- 
tyr-Church from utter ruin, this most faithful servant of 
the Lord resolved on the election and ordination of a 
Bishop, to prevent the total extinction of the order. — 
Hereupon the consecration of Nicholas Gertichius and 
Peter Jablonsky took place at Mielencin, in Poland, in 
the year 1662. The latter dying before Comenius, his 
son Daniel Ernestus Jablonsky was appointed his suc- 
cessor in 1699. 

Amos Comenius closed his labors and useful life, on 
the 15th October 1072, at the advanced age of sevent 



THE UfflTY OF THE BRETHREN*. 41 

years, of which he had spent nearly forty-four in banish- 
ment. 

The Church of the Brethren had now existed, with- 
out any external support, for more than a century and a 
half. From a small seed, it became a spreading tree r 
which afforded shelter and nourishment to many thou- 
sand travelers to Zion. Poland became the chief retreat 
of the poor wanderers, who, for conscience' sake were 
forced to leave their native lands. But here also, the an- 
cient faith and zeal of the Brethren, were gradually lost. 
Political troubles breaking out in 1709, the Protestants 
were again persecuted, and the Roman Catholics ob- 
tained the ascendency. These occurrences, together 
with the spiritual declension of the members, hastened 
the gradual extinction of the Polish Branch of the Breth- 
ren's Church, most of whose members joined the Re- 
formed.* In 1712, a Synod was convened at Zulchow, 
on the confines of Brandenburg ; and before the close 
of the year, another was held at .Thorn. At the latter 
Daniel Ernestus Jablonsky, ordained David Cassius, 
and some years later, Christian Sitkovius, Bishops of 
the Church. Cassius died four years after, but Sitkovi- 
us lived long enough to assist at the consecration of th& 
first Bishop of the JRenewed Brethren's Church, in 
1735. 

Thus at the beginning of the eighteenth century, ther 
name of Moravian Brethren, was nearly forgotten among 
the other Christian denominations. England was almost 
the only country, in which the distressed situation of the 
Brethren in Poland, awakend the sympathy of Christian 
charity. In 1715, an Order from the Privy Council was 
issued, "for the relief, and for preserving the Epis- 
copal Churches in Great Poland and Polish Prussia." 

During the emigrations from Bohemia and Moravia r 

* In 1844, the Episcopacy was renewed among the descendants 
of the Brethren in Poland, when Dr. Siedler, minister at Posen, 
one of the five extant Congregations, descended from the old Breth- 
ren's Church in Poland, was ordained Bishop, in Herrnhut, on th$ 
16th June. 



4i COMMENCEMENt 1 OF 

which began about the year 1624, and continued with 
occasional intermissions till about 1735, probably more 
than one hundred thousand Moravian Brethren and other 
Protestants escaped from the tyranny of the Church of 
Rome. One of the latter emigrations, which took place 
about 1730, is particularly noticed by Crantz, in his 
Brethren's History, who states, that no less than thirty 
thousand persons at that time, left Saltzburg for con- 
science' sake. 

Deprived of the public ordinances of Religion, the faith- 
ful descendants of the Brethren in Moravia, were accus- 
tomed for safety's sake, to meetin larger and smaller com- 
panies, at different places. At the meetings they read 
the Bible, — that priceless treasure, — and such evangelical 
writings as they could procure. 

A principal promoter of these assemblies, was George 
Jaeschke, a genuine descendant of the* Bohemian Breth- 
ren ; and whose ancestors had sought refuge in Moravia, 
during the persecutions of the fifteenth century. His 
daughter was married to George Neisser, and their chil- 
dren were the constant care and delight of the old grand- 
father, who, like Abraham, faithfully i-nstructed his chil- 
dren and household, and admonished them to walk in the 
fear of the Lord. Michael his youngest child, the son 
of his old age, was born September 27th, 1700. Feel- 
ing that his end was fast approaching, the aged patriarch 
sent for this, his little son, and his other children and 
grandchildren, and imparted to them his farewell benedic- 
tion. He closed his address in these words : "It is true, 
our liberty is taken from us ; the majority of the descend- 
ants of our Church, follow the spirit of the world, and 
are swallowed up by Popery ; and it even has the ap- 
pearance, as if the cause of the Brethren was ruined for 
ever. But you, my dear children, will live to see a 
day of deliverance for the remnant that is left. 

"I almost think, that you will have to emigrate into an- 
other country, where the Lord will prepare you a place, 
in which you may serve Him without fear, according to 
His Holy Word. When that time arrives, then be you 



THE TJNlfY OF THE BRETHREN. 4B 

ready ; and take care, that you be not among the last, or 
remain at home. Remember what I have told you."— 
Then pointing to his little son, he added : " This my son 
shall also be the property of Jesus. I commend him to 
you; take good care of him, and when you emigrate, see 
to it, that he is not left behind." Having with imposi- 
tion of hands, and while the tears rolled down his ven- 
erable cheeks, imparted his last blessing to his sons and 
grand-children, he fell asleep in Jesus, and entered into 
the joy of the Lord, at the advanced age of eighty-three 
years, in 1707. 

The hope expressed with his dying lips, that the 
Brethren's Church might be speedily revived, began to 
receive its accomplishment, fifteen years after his death, 
by the arrival of his lineal descendants, and other emi- 
grants from Moravia, at the place now called Herrnhut, 
in Upper Lusatia, Saxony. 

Having brought the History of the Ancient Brethren's 
Church to its close, the insertion uf the following de- 
scriptive lines, by the Poet, James Montgomery, who, 
perhaps, has done more than any individual person, for 
our Missions, may not be unsuitable, or improper at this 
place, 

" When poor Comenius with his little flock, 
Escaped the wolves, and from the boundary rock, 
Cast o'er Moravian hills a look of woe, 
Saw the green vales expand, the waters flow ; 
And happier years revolving in his mind, 
Caught every sound that murmur'd on the wind, 
As if his eye could never thence depart, 
As if his ear was seated in his heart, 
And his full soul would thence a passage break, 
To leave the body for his country's sake ; 
While on his knees he pour'd the fervent prayer, 
That God would make that martyr-land His care, 
And nourish in that ravaged soil, a root 
Of Gregor's Tree, to bear perennial fruit. 
His prayer was heard — that Church, through ages past, 
Assail'd and rent by persecution's blast ; 
Whose sons ne yoke could crush, no burthen tire, 
Unaw'd by dungeons, tortures, sword, and fire — 



44 

(Less proof against the world's alluring wiieg, 
Whose frowns have weaker terrors than its smiles;) 
— That Church, o'erthrown, dispers'd, unpeopled, dead. 
Oft from the dust of ruin rais'd her head ; 

***** 

That Church, which Satan's legions thought destroy'd, 

Her name extinct, her place for ever void ; 

Alive once more, respir'd her native air, 

But found no freedom for the voice of prayer : 

Again the cowl'd oppressor clank'd his chains, 

Flourish'd his scourge, and threatened bonds and pains ; 

(His arm enfeebled, could no longer kill, 

But in his heart, he was a murderer still ;) 

Then Christian David, strengthen'd from above, 

Wise as the serpent, harmless as the dove ; 

Bold as the lion, on his Master's part, 

In zeal a seraph, and a child in heart ; 

Pluck'd from the gripe of antiquated laws, 

(Even as a Mother from the felon-jaws 

Of a lean wolf, that bears her babe away, 

With courage beyond nature, rends the prey,) 

The little remnant of that ancient race : 

— Far in Lusatian woods, they found a place ; 

There, — where the sparrow builds her busy nest, 

And the clime-changing swallow loves to rest ; 

Thine Altar, God of Hosts ! — There still appear 

The tribes to worship, unassail'd by fear ; 

Not like their Fathers, vex'd from age to age 

By blatant Bigotry's insensate rage, 

Abroad in every place, — in every hour 

Awake, alert, and ramping to devour. 

No : peaceful as the spot where Jacob slept, 

And guard all night, the journeying angels kept, 

Herrnhut yet stands amidst her shelter'd bowers ; 

— The Lord hath set His watch upon her towers." 

" Greenland Canto V 7 



THE RENEWAL OF THE BRETHREN'S CHURCH. 



After the total loss of religious liberty in Bohemia 
and Moravia, those members of the Brethren's Church, 
who had not emigrated into Protestant States, by degrees 
submitted to the reigning superstition. But God, " who 
knoweth them that are His," was graciously pleased to 
awaken in the posterity of the ancient Brethren, a new 
and ardent desire to know, and love, and worship Him, 
not in the letter only, but in the spirit and in truth ; and 
entirely to disenthral them from the fetters of spiritual 
bondage. This awakening commenced about the year 
1715, and its first powerful influence was felt in the fa- 
mily of George Jaeschke. While new life was thus com- 
municated to the faithful remnant in Moravia, the Holy 
Spirit breathed at the same time upon the dry bones in 
Bohemia ; and in the Renewal of the Brethren's Church, 
both these branches were gradually united, the Moravian 
Brethren taking the lead in the emigration. 

The principal mover, — the soul of the refugees, was 
Christian David. Born in the village of Senftleben, in 
Moravia, Dec. 31st, 1690, he was in early youth em- 
ployed in tending sheep, and afterwards learned the trade 
of a carpenter. He was a zealous Roman Catholic; 
and. to use his own words ; — in the performance of 
his devotions, he crept on his knees around the images of 
the blessed virgin, till his whole body burned like an o- 
ven. — Becoming acquainted with some persons who re- 
jected the whole system of popery, as a mere human in- 
vention, and having frequent intercourse with certain 
Jews, a check was given to his superstition, which had 
been almost incredible. Already twenty years of age, 
he had not yet seen a Bible ; but now, hearing that it 
was the Word of God, his desire to obtain one became 
very great. At length he was favored to procure the Sa- 
cred Volume ; and the more diligently he read it, the 



46 THE RENEWAL OT 

more was he convinced of its divine authority. The Bi- 
ble became David's favorite book, and this predilection 
for the Holy Scriptures he retained through his whole 
life. Being fully convinced of the errors of popery, he 
resolved to join the Lutherans, and did so, in the city of 
Berlin. Disappointed in his hopes, he enlisted as a sol- 
dier, and was present at the siege of Stralsund* (1714.) 
Afterwards, discharged from service, he fixed his abode 
at Breslau, and in 1717 repaired to Goerlitz, in Upper 
Lusatia, where he married and settled. 

Paying a visit to his native village, he became acquaint- 
ed with the family of the Neissers, the grandsons of 
George Jaeschke. He repeated his visit ; and after se- 
veral fruitless attempts to find an asylum for his oppress- 
ed countrymen, he was at length providentially direct- 
ed to apply to Count Zinzendorf, who promised to re- 
ceive them on his Estate of Berth elsdorf, near Goerlitz. 
This celebrated individual, who, in the sequel, became 
one of the first Bishops of the Brethren's Church, was 
born at Dresden, May 27th r 1700. Descended from a 
very ancient, noble family, while yet an infant he lost 
his Father, and the entire care of his Education devolv- 
ed on his maternal Grandmother, a very pious and learn- 
ed Eady, who resided on her Estate at Hennersdorf. At 
the age of ten, Nicholas Lewis was sent to the Academy 
at Halle ; and under the direction of the justly celebrated 
Professor Franke, he grew in piety, as he advanced in 
learning. Several young gentlemen in the Academy, 
were associated with the Count, in the exercises of pie- 
ty, and with a select number of these yonths, he formed 
an Order, called: The Order of the Grain of Mustard 
seed. This youthful trait, seems already to show the 
spirit of the future man. The fundamental rules of this 
Order were ; that its members should steadfastly main- 
tain the doctrine of Jesus, and walk worthily of it ; ex- 
ercise charity towards their neighbors, and more espe- 
cially endeavor to promote the conversion of Jews and 
Heathen, — After a residence of six years at Halle, he 
was removed to the University at Wittemberg, where 



THE BRETHREN^ CHURCH. 47 

he spent two years, and finished his collegiate course. 
Accepting a situation in the Government of Saxony, 
Count Zinzendorf had many opportunities for gratifying- 
his desire of promoting the extension of Christ's King- 
dom on earth. 

The arrival of the first Moravian emigrants, and their 
settlement on his Estate of Berthelsdorf, took place du- 
ring Zinzendorf's absence at Dresden, and his only ob- 
ject in befriending them, was, to provide an asylum for 
these oppressed people ; hoping that by their pious ex- 
ample, they would be useful to his other tenants. — In 
1722, the Count entered into holy matrimony with the 
Countess, Erdmuth Dorothy Reuss ; and ten years after 
he resigned his office in the Regency of Saxony ; and 
with it every expectation of riches and worldly honors ; 
devoting all his time, talents, and influence to the ser- 
vice of God, in advancing His Kingdom in the world. 

Becoming now intimately connected with the Breth- 
ren, his history is so interwoven with theirs, that no 
more special account of him is deemed necessary, as fre- 
quent mention is made of his plans and movements, in 
the subsequent part of this narrative.* 

In 1722, Christian David carried to Moravia the joy- 
ful intelligence of Zinzendorf's offer, to afford the emi- 
grants a retreat on one of his Estates. — Angustin and Ja- 
cob Neisser resolved immediately to emigrate ; and soon 
after ten o'clock in the night of the Wednesday after 
Whit-Sunday, 1722, with their wives and four children,, 
and their niece Martha Neisser, and their cousin Mi- 
chael Jaeschke, they commenced their pilgrimage, con- 
ducted by Christian David, who led them through un- 
frequented paths, across the mountains, to the frontiers 
of Silesia. After encountering many difficulties, they at 
last reached Goerlitz in safety, where the Revd: Mr. 
Schaeffer received them in the most friendly manner. 
Afterwards the refugees were sent to Berthelsdorf, where 
they were provided with a temporary residence. Being 

* For particulars consult the Life of Zinzendorf 
2 



48 THE RENEWAL OP 

advised to build in some spot, where they might form a 
colony of their own, the place chosen, was on the de- 
clivity of the hill called Hutberg, on the high-road from 
Loebau to Zittau. It was a dreary wilderness, covered 
with forest trees and bushes, and the ground a complete 
swamp. Though fears and hopes possessed the minds 
of his little colony, Christian David, full of faith and 
courage, striking his axe into a tree, repeated the words 
of the Psalmist : "Here the sparrow hath found a house, 
and the swallow a nest for herself, where she may lay 
her young ; even thine altars, O Lord of Hosts, my King 
and my God." (Ps. 84 v, 3.) 

On the 17th June 172^, the first tree was felled, and the 
building of Hermhut (the name given to the new settle- 
ment) commenced.* When the first dwelling was finish- 
ed, the neighbours derided the undertaking, and scorn- 
fully remarked, that, though the house had been erected, it 
•could not stand. Truly it was a work of faith, to plant 
a colony in a place, which appeared far more likely to 
become the haunt of thieves, than the residence of a 
Christian Society. But God overruled the whole proceed- 
ing in its minuter details; for, had the builders of Herm- 
hut consulted only their temporal advantages, they would 
never have chosen such a forbidding spot for their Set- 
tlement. Yet this very isolated situation afforded facili- 
ties to the Brethren, for reviving and organizing their 
Church, which, under the existing civil and ecclesiastical 
constitution of Germany, they could not have enjoyed, 
had they settled within the precincts of Berthelsdorf, or 
any other town. 

Besides Count Zinzendorf, another distinguished in- 

* Herri t hut, which means, The watch of the Lord, or The object 
of the Lord's protection, — was the name given to this place by Mr. 
Heitz, (Steward of Count Zinzendorf,) before the first house was 
built. 

Christian David, in the following passage, alludes to the mean* 
ing of the name ; " This place shall be called : The Watch of the 
Lord ; — and you, who dwell here, must watch day and night, and 
see to it, that the work of grace, here begun, be uninterruptedly 
continued." 



TTTE BRETHREN'S CHURCH. 49 

strument in the hand of the Lord in reviving the Breth- 
ren's Church, was Baron Frederic of Watteville. He 
had been one of the Count's fellow students at Halle, and 
in 1722 paid a visit to this friend of his youth, and in 
his company went to Hennersdorf and Berthelsdorf. On 
the 15th March, of the following year, he was arrested 
in a most unexpected manner. An officer with a troop 
of cavalry arrived at Hennersdorf ; took Watteville 
prisoner, and conveyed him to Dresden. He was kept 
in confinement for six weeks, and closely guarded with- 
out being able to conjecture the cause of this unaccounta- 
ble proceeding. At length, however it was unravelled. 
A horrid murder had been committed by a Swedish lieu- 
tenant colonel, former Polish ambassador, but afterwards 
employed by the Government at Dresden. Baron Wat- 
teville had accidentally become acquainted with him. — 
The officer had assumed the garb of piety ; attended the 
religious meetings held by Zinzendorf, and commenced 
a correspondence with him and Watteville. At the very 
time, when the murder became known, a letter address- 
ed to him by Watteville, was intercepted, in which the 
latter wished his acquaintance success in his undertak- 
ing. This excited suspicion. During the trial, when 
the letter was shown to Watteville, he gave so clear and 
satisfactory a statement of the whole circumstance, as far 
as concerned himself, that he was instantly set at liberty. 
This occurrence so rivited the conviction, previously 
made on the mind of Watteville, of the miserable life of 
the votaries of the world, that he preferred the condition 
of the lowest follower of Christ, to the pageantry of world- 
lings, however imposing to the unrenewed heart. — 
Most gladly, therefore, did he join Count Zinzendorf, 
and continue his faithful coadjutor, in those works of 
benevolence and piety, which he had just commenced. 
With these two noble personages were associated in 
their endeavors to advance the kingdom of Christ, the 
Revd. Messrs. Shaeffer and Ro the. The former of these 
clergymen was stationed in the town of Goerlitz, where 
Ills faithful testimony of the Gospel, had subjected him 
4 



50 THE RENEWAL OF 

to shame and reproach. Being introduced to the Count, 
this acquaintance was the means of stimulating him to re- 
newed and greater exertions in the cause of Christ. He 
was a zealous preacher, using, plain and unadorned lan- 
guage ; accommodating himself to the meanest capacity ;, 
and his delivery was impressive and serious, suited to 
the awful import of the divine message which he an- 
nounced, and calculated to strike the most careless. 

The Rev. John Andrew Rothe was enabled through 
his superior talents and pious zeal, to take a prominent 
part in advancing the work so happily begun at Herrn- 
hut. During his residence in Goerlitz, he frequently 
preached in the Church of the Holy Trinity. His talents 
as a public speaker procured him a crowded auditory ; 
and his sermons were by the divine blessing, made use- 
ful to many. While he was teacher in a nobleman's fam- 
ily, he made Zinzendorfs acquaintance. Fully satisfied 
of the piety, and all the other requisite qualifications of Mr. 
Rothe, the Count appointed him minister of the parish, 
on his Estate of Berth elsdorf. The vocation was ac- 
cepted, and he continued in that situation for fifteen years, 
performing his parochial duties with uncommon zeal and 
success. 

The emigration of the two Neissers, exposed their 
relatives in Moravia, to heavy trials ; and after enduring 
imprisonment and other severe sufferings, they followed 
their Brethren to Herrnhut, where they arrived in the 
spring of 1723. Towards the close of the same year, 
Christian David undertook another journey into Moravia. 
His appearance caused a great sensation, and by the 
searching discourses of David and Melchior Nitchmann, 
the number of Believers rapidly increased. The Jesuits, 
fearful of the heavenly light, that was bursting in upon 
the darkness which enveloped that devoted land, seeured 
the arm of the civil power to crush the rising cause of 
Christ. Religious meetings were peremtorily forbidden, 
and those who promoted or attended them, were most 
cruelly treated. A fiery persecution followed, and while 
many persons loaded with chains, were obliged to work 






THB BRETHREN'S CHURCH. 51 

as convicts, and others were kept in prison during their 
whole life, or condemned to pay heavy fines, numbers were 
compelled to forsake their all, and emigrate. Among 
those who sought an aisylum in Herrnhut, were many 
bold confessors of divine truth. The first company con- 
sisted of five young men, who were genuine descendants 
of the Moravian Church, viz ; three David Nitschmanns, 
John Toeltchig, and Melchior Zeisberger,* who arrived 
at the place of their destination, on the 12th of May 1724. 
They were soon followed by others, and five years after 
the founding of Herrnhut, as many as three hundred per- 
sons, of whom at least one half were Moravian exile* 
and lineal descendants of the Ancient Brethren's Church, 
had settled there. 

Dav. Nitschmann, (generally called Father Nitschman,} 
and his son Melchior, deserve to be particularly mention- 
ed. The former was born at Zauchtenthal in Moravia, 
in 1676. His father, who was a descendant of the An- 
cient Brethren, held weekly meetings for edification in 
his house, which were attended by large companies. 
Thus his son David obtained an early knowledge of evan- 
gelical truth ; yet he did not experience its saving pow- 
er till he heard it proclaimed by Christain David. Nitsch- 
mann who then resided at Kunewalde, opened his house 
for the preaching of the Gospel. On a certain occasion ,. 
when upwards of one hundred and fifty persons were as- 
sembled for the purpose of religious worship, a police 
officer suddenly entered ; in his hurry he seized all the 
books within his reach, and then proceeded to another 
house for the same purpose. Returning again, with some 
assistants,— all servants of the persecuting Jesuits,' — the 
Brethren, on their entrance began to sing one of Luther's 
powerful hymns, which so confounded the assailants, 
that they quietly left. But on the following day. twenty 
persons, all heads of respectable families, were thrown 
into prison. David Nitschmann was of the number. — - 
Though liberated in a short time, he was a few months 
* The Father of the celebrated Indian Missionary David Zcii>- 



52 THE RENEWAL OF 

after, cited before the Ecclesiastical Court, and under 
severe penalties, forbidden to hold any more meetings. — 
Not in the least intimidated by their threats, he made a 
bold confession of his faith, and was again cast into pri- 
son, and his feet made fast in the stocks. Having resolv- 
ed to attempt his escape, he disclosed his intention to 
some of his fellow prisoners. One of them, David Schnei- 
der, offered to accompany him. About 10 o'clock at 
night, as Nitschmann was trying to unloose his fetters, he 
discovered to his astonishment that they were unlocked. 
This strengthened his confidence in God, that He would 
deliver them. Having assisted Schneider to take off 
his irons, they proceeded with cautious steps across the 
court of the prison. Schneider was seeking a ladder to 
assist them in getting over the high gate-way, which was 
secured by two strong doors ; but when Nitschmann ap- 
proached it, he found both doors open. They now has- 
tened to his house, and having given the necessary direc- 
tions to Nitschmann's wife, commenced their emigration 
on the 25th January 1725. Their families followed 
them after some time. Several other persons after close 
imprisonment and the most cruel treatment, also experi- 
enced the Lord's help in very striking ways, so that they 
safely escaped from the hands of vile ruffians, and arrived 
at Herrnhut without further hinderance. 

Certain measures calculated to promote true religion, 
had for some time been contemplated by Count Zinzen- 
dorf and his friends, and Herrnhut was fixed upon as 
the scene of their operations. As a preliminary step, it 
had been resolved to erect a large building to contain an 
Institution for the Education of young noblemen, and a 
Printing Office for publishing the Bible and other reli- 
gious books, at a cheap rate.* On the 12th May, 1724, 
the foundation stone was laid, accompanied by the most 
solemn ceremonies ; and when the edifice was complet- 

* The Institution for young noblemen, after having been contin- 
ued fi?r some time, was changed into an Orphan House for poor 
children ; and the Printing Office was transferred to Ebersdorf, 
where it was in active operation for several years. 



Thb brethren's church. 53 

ed, a large saloon in it was appropriated for the meetings 
of the Congregation. 

Hope, who hitherto sat smiling upon whatever related 
to the new Colony, now soon began to droop her head 
at the spirit of discord that began to spread in its midst* 
The increase of inhabitants was very rapid, among whom 
were many pious persons of various religious denomina- 
tions. All were pretty well agreed on the leading doc- 
trines of Christianity, but on some of the more difficult 
points in Theology, there existed a wide difference of 
opinion, which prevailed in a yet greater degree with 
regard to Church-Government and Discipline. These 
contentions rose to an alarming height, and Zinzendorf, 
obtaining leave of temporary absence from the Court of 
Saxony, hastened to Herrnhut in 1727. After many 
conversations with individuals, and long conferences 
with the most pious and leading men, he at length sue* 
ceeded in bringing baek all Separatists to the fellowship 
of the Established Protestant Church. (The Lutheran.) 
Yet, however willing the Brethren now felt to attend the 
public services in the parish church, they insisted on re- 
taining the Constitution and Regulations of the Ancient 
Brethren's Church ; to the observance of which, all 
should pledge themselves who became inhabitants of the 
settlement. This request was finally acceded to by the 
Count ; who, in conjunction with several other persons, 
eompiled a set of Rules, which were called the Statutes 
of the Congregation, and formed a code of laws, for its 
members. Their ultimate aim was to promote true god- 
liness among the inhabitants of Herrnhut ; to remove, or 
at least to lessen causes of future discord ; to quicken 
brotherly love ; to maintain peace, and to preserve the 
unity of the spirit with Christians of every name and 
confession. On the 12th May, 1727, these Statutes 
were unanimously adopted ; and the appointment of 
twelve Ulders, (whose office was not properly clerical,) 
followed soon after. They were elected by majority of 
vote; and four of the number were a few days after, 
nominated chief Elders, and confirmed by lot. These 



34 THE REXBWAL Of 

were Christian David, George Nitsehmann, (the oldest 
person in Herrnhut,) Christopher Hoffman, and Mel* 
chior Nitsehmann, only twenty^five years of age. Count 
Zinzendorf, assisted by the Baron of Watteville, was 
chosen Warden, and acted in the capacity of Guardian 
or Patron. The stated meetings of the Elders, who 
formed a Board of Superintendence, received the name 
of the Elders' Conference ; and a more numerous con- 
vention, called the Congregation- Council, was also ap- 
pointed. This consisted of the Elders, the heads of fa- 
milies, persons holding subordinate offices, and a cer- 
tain number of Brethren, chosen by lot ; and so formed 
a Representative Assembly, of the whole Congregation. 
Peace and concord now began to exert a most bene- 
ficial influence, and the celebration of the Lord's Sup- 
per, on the 13 th August following, completed the work 
so happily begun. This day may be regarded as the 
Birthday of the Renewed Brethren's Church. On the 
previous Sunday, (August 10th,) more than an earthly 
influence had animated the assembly met at Herrnhut; 
and the worshipers continued together in prayer, sing- 
ing of hymns, and spiritual discourse, till late at night; 
and on Wednesday the 13th, the public celebration of 
the memorial of our Saviour's death, took place at Ber- 
thelsdorf. The historian Crantz, says in reference to 
this subject :— "On the 12th May (1727) the dry bones 
were collected, and by means of various useful regula- 
tions, were in the following days covered with sinews 
and skin ; and on the 13th August, the Spirit of the 
Lord, breathing upon them, infused the vital principle, 
and prepared them for active service in the kingdom of 
God, among Christians and Heathen." (see Ezekiel 37th 
chap.) No sooner had the fire of love to Jesus been ful- 
ly kindled among the adult inhabitants, than the hearts 
of the children caught the flame ; and this was the com- 
mencement of a blessed visitation of Grace, with which 
the Lord favored them, and which has since been annu- 
ally commemorated at the Children's Festival, August 
17th. The first subject of real conversion of heart, was 



THE BRETHREN'S CHURCH. 55 

Susanna Kuehnel. This child, but eleven years of age, 
was deeply impressed by the happy departure of her 
Mother ; who, with uncommon cheerfulness, resigned 
her soul into the hands of the Saviour. The bereaved 
daughter, sensibly affected by the loss of her Parent, 
and still more, by the thought of the eternal happiness, 
which her Mother's glorified spirit now enjoyed, longed 
to experience the same. For three days she was absorb- 
ed in prayer, and in the contemplation of spiritual things; 
and during the last night, she called to her Father, who oc- 
cupied the adjoining room, and who had heard her cries 
and prayers ; " Now Father, I am become a child of 
God ; and I know how my dear Mother felt, and still 
feels." — She could not be restrained ; her mouth over- 
flowed with praises to her Saviour, and she became a 
preaeher of righteousness among her young companions. 
A decisive proof of the soundness of their piety, is 
the fact, that the members of the Congregation at Herrn- 
hut, both aged and young, paid the strictest attention to 
Prayer. It was one of those fruits of the Spirit, which 
had been so richly poured out upon them, during these 
days of gracious visitation. They felt how much they 
owed to it, and they must have questioned the truth of 
their own experience, if they had doubted the veracity 
of the Divine promises on this subject. Hence they 
considered it rather as a privilege than a duty. It was 
enjoyed by them as a most delightful employment, when 
met in the house of God, or assembled in the social cfrv 
cle, or retired in the secret chamber, where no eye saw 
them, but that of their heavenly Father. Taught by 
His Spirit the truth of their Saviour's promise : " If two 
of you shall agree on earth, as touching any thing that 
they shall ask, it shall be done for them of my Father 
who is in heaven;" (Matt. 18, v. 19.) and confirmed in 
it by their own experience, they agreed to the adoption 
of a regulation, which appeared well calculated, for a 
time, to stir up and keep alive the spirit of prayer and 
supplication ; and which was called the Hourly Inter- 
cession. — Being much engaged in considering the state 



$6 THE RENEWAL OF 

of their infant congregation, the idea originated, of as^ 
signing to two or more members thereof a particular hour 
eaeh day and night, to be spent in retirement, for the 
purpose of prayer and praise. Each individual was at 
full liberty, either to accede to this regulation, or not ; 
and in a few days, upwards of seventy Brethren and 
Sisters formed a plan, according to which the twenty- 
four hours of day and night were divided in such a man- 
ner, that two or more persons were every hour engaged 
in prayer and thanksgiving. This regulation was by no 
means intended to supercede the public and social pray- 
ers of the Church ; but was professedly an act of private 
devotion. Neither was it expected that the Interces- 
sors, as they were called, should spend the whole hour 
on their knees ; for they were at liberty to occupy the 
time in pious meditation and singing, and in other acta 
of devotion. The Intercessors had a weekly meeting, 
at which they were made acquainted with those circum- 
stances of the Congregation, of the Christian Church, 
and of the world at large, which seemed particularly to 
require the prayers of the faithful. This regulation com- 
menced on the 27th of August, 1727. 

Though much had been done to allay dissensions at 
Herrnhut, something was still required to give stability 
to the infant church. This was an Ecclesiastical Con- 
stitution, which might serve to put a stop to disputes a- 
bout Church Government and Discipline. The Mora- 
vian emigrants continually insisted on restoring those of 
their Ancestors, and asked : — "Of what use is it, that 
we have left house and home, for the sake of Religion ? 
What benefit do we derive from our Constitution, which 
is older than that of any Protestant form of religion ;«— 
which Luther himself so highly commended, for the pre- 
servation of which our Forefathers risked their lives, 
and which they bequeathed to us, as a sacred deposit V* 
— They moreover declared, that if it was deemed impo-^ 
litic or dangerous to grant them that liberty at Herrnhut, 
they would go and seek it elsewhere. Their wishes 
were long opposed, but Count Zinzendorf, who was, 



THE BRETHREN'S CHURCH. 57 

firmly attached to the Lutheran Church, resolved at last 
to bring the matter to a final issue, and proposed a union 
with that Church. This proposition met with the disap- 
probation of nearly the whole Congregation, who subse- 
quently consented to the suggestion of the Count, to sub- 
mit this difficult question to a decision by lot. The re- 
sult was the renewal of the Constitution of the Ancient 
Brethren's Church ; — and this event was a few years la- 
ter followed by another, equally important ; viz : the 
restoration of their Episcopal Ordination. — The line of 
Bishops in the Bohemian-Moravian branch of the Church, 
had terminated in Amos Comenius ; but the succession 
was still continued in the Polish branch, of which two 
Bishops were still living ; Daniel E. Jablonsky, at Ber- 
lin, Chaplain to the King of Prussia ; and Christian 
Sitkovius, residing at Lissa, in Poland. Subsequent to 
a correspondence with the former, David Nitschmann* 
in presence of several witnesses, and with the concur- 
rence of Sitkovius, was consecrated the first Bishop of 
the Renewed Church of the Brethren, at Berlin, on the 
13th March, 1735. 

In order to omit-nothing, which under existing circum- 
stances appeared requisite for satisfying even the most 
scrupulous minds on the propriety of their conduct, the 
following inquiry was already in 1733 submitted by the 
Brethren, to the Theological Faculty of the University at 
Tubingen, in Wirtemberg : — " Whether the Moravian 
Brethren, (presupposing their agreement with other Pro- 
testants in the Evangelical Doctrines,) might preserve and 
adhere to their own Ecclesiastical Discipline, which had 
existed for three hundred years ; and notwithstanding 
this, might maintain their connexion with the Protestant 
Church ?" — The answer was a unanimous approval, en- 
couraging the Brethren to adhere to the well known Eg- 



* One of the three Brethren of the same name, who came to 
Herrnhut, in May, 1724. In 1732 he had accompanied the first 
Missionary, Leonard Dober, to St. Thomas, in the West Indies,. 
In 1772 he died at Bethlehem, Penna., where he was burifd.. 



$8 THE RENEWAL OF 

clewiastical Discipline and Regulations of their Ancestral 
Church. Furthermore, to meet the wishes of fritnds, 
and confute the calumnies of enemies, it became neces- 
sary to digest the doctrinal opinions into a brief com- 
pendium, similar to the Confessions of Faith of other 
Protestants. Upon mature reflection, they resolved, with 
the cordial consent of all the inhabitants of Herrnhut, 
whether descended from the Moravian, the Lutheran, or 
the Reformed Church ; " To receive the Doctrinal Ar- 
ticles of the Augustan Confession, as they were read on 
the 25th June, 1530, in the German Language, be- 
fore the Electors, Princes, and Deputies of Cities, and! 
delivered to his Imperial Majesty, Charles V. ; because 
they are accordant with the Holy Scriptures. "* 

Count Zinzendorf now executed a design he had long 
meditated, of resigning his office in the Regency at Dres- 
den, and assuming the Clerical profession. In Decem- 
ber 1734, he was formally recognized as a minister of the 
Gospel, by the Theological Faculty of the University 
at Tubingen. Visiting Berlin in October 1736, the Count 
was invited to an audience by Frederic William, King 
of Prussia, and at the recommendation of his Majesty, 
Zinzendorf was in the following May, (1737,) consecrat- 
ed a Bishop of the Brethren's Church, by the aged Ja- 
blonsky, assisted by David Nitsehmann, who also joined 
him and Sitkovius, in affixing their signatures to the cir- 
tificate of consecration. On the following day, the King 
sent Zinzendorf a Letter of Congratulation ; and he re- 
ceived also similar marks of esteem from other persons 
of distinction, among whom were, Dr. John Potter, then 
Archbishop of Canterbury, England ; and Sitkovius, who 



* Crantz's History of the Brethren, 343d page. The Augustan 
Confession agrees also with the Thirty-nine Articles of the. Church 
■of England, in every essential Doctrine of Christianity, 

In the Synodal Results of 1818, it is declared : " Though we do 
not wish to burden men's consciences, yet no one shall be allowed 
$o teach in our Church, who publicly propagates opinions contrary 
to the Doctrines taught in the Augustan Confession" 



tub brethren's church. 59 

styles himself, " Bishop of the Unity of the Moravian 
Brethren in Great Poland and Prussia. " 

An individual who arrived at Herrnhut in 1733, must 
not be overlooked. This was August Gottlieb Spangen- 
^berg, born in 1704, at Klettenberg, near Haberstadt. — 
becoming an orphan at the age of ten, he was placed in 
|he Academy at Ilefeld, in Hanover. Little is known of 
liis academical term ; and when in his eighteenth year, 
ie removed to the University in Jena. Induced one day 
I attend the Theological Lectures of the learned and pious 
he. John F. Buddeus, he heard him make the following 
declaration : — " A student of Theology, who intends to 
become a servant of Christ, must expect to suffer many 
things for His word, and name's sake. Unless a man's 
mind is fully prepared for this, it were better for him not 
to pursue this course of study." The impression made 
on Spangenberg's mind, was such that he instantly re- 
solved to devote hirr_self to the study of Divinity, which 
he was firmly persuaded, if not a mere pretence, is a 
matter of experience, founded on the Holy Scriptures ; 
and for this reason the Bible now became his constant 
comoanion. In 1726 he took the degree of Master of 
Arts, -and two years after, formed an acquaintance with 
Count Zinzendorf, and some Moravian Brethren, and in 
1732, was appointed to the office of assistant Theological 
Professor at Halle, by the King of Prussia. Owing to 
an unpleasant controversy, in which Spangenberg was 
soon involved, he was compelled to leave, and arrived at 
Herrnhut towards the end of April 1733. By unanimous 
consent he was appointed one of the Elders of the Con- 
gregation ; and from this time he employed all his talents., 
for a series of sixty years, with a zeal and devotion e- 
qualled by few, in the service of the Brethren's Church, 
Reference to the characters of several other distinguish- 
ed persons must here be introduced. One of these was 
Martin Dober. He was descended from a Bohemian 
family, which for the Gospel's sake, had left its native 
country, and settled in the principality of Dettingen, 
where Martin was born, in 1702. He went to IJerrnhuJ 



60 THE RENEWAL Of 

in 1724, and four years after was chosen Elder. He 
followed the occupation of a potter ; but by close applica- 
tion, and diligent study of the Holy Scriptures in the ori- 
ginal languages, acquired so much knowledge of Theolo- 
gy, that he acquitted himself with credit in his examina- 
tion before several Universities. Though he had lived 
from his childhood among pious people, he himself says, 
that he spent his youth, till he was twenty one years of 
age, In great distress and disquietude of mind. Arrived 
at Herrnhut, the simple doctrine of free grace, which he 
now heard from the Pulpit, opened his eyes and brought 
peace to his heart. His resolution was taken, henceforth 
to relinquish all striving in his own strength, and not to 
rest until he could believe in Christ, unto the salvation 
oi his soul. Dober was highly esteemed for his talents 
as a preacher and expounder of the Scriptures. His dis- 
courses aimed at the reality of religion, and seldom fail- 
ed to reach the heart. This made Zinzendorf say : 
"When Dober opens his lips in the meeting, his words 
flash like lightning." For a number of years he testified 
with great power, the Gospel of the Grace of God ; and 
the peculiar gifts for the execution of the office of an El- 
der, he faithfully exercised until his death in 1748. 

Another person, likewise a descendant of the Ancient 
Brethren, and who arrived at Herrnhut in 1728, was 
Martin Linner. In the following year, though quite a 
young man, he was chosen an Elder, to supply the place 
of Melchior Nitschmann, who died in prison. His pious 
and christian walk and conversation, gained for Lim the 
esteem of the whole congregation. In order not to be 
burdensome to the Church, he relinquished his right to 
support, as an Eider, and earned a bare sufficiency by 
wool-combing. Previous to this, from disinterested love 
to his neighbors, he had given up his profitable business 
of a baker, to another brother who found it difficult to 
maintain himself by his trade.. Such was his self denial, 
that from a wish, perhaps overstrained, to fare no better 
than the poorest of his Brethren, he lived very abstemi- 
ously, and never slept in a bed, but on the bare boards. 



THE BRETHREN'S CHURCH. 61 

This, together with constant mental exertion, undermin- 
ed his constitution, and in 1735, totally destroyed his 
health. The day before his departure, he wrote an af- 
fectionate Letter to the Congregation, and before it was 
finished, the pen fell from his hand, through weakness. 
He now spoke but little ; and with a countenance expres- 
sive of the inward rapture of his soul, he awaited his 
dissolution, which took place on the 26th February, 
1733, in the 29th year of his age. Some of Linner's 
Letters have been published, and breathe the purest 
love to God and man ; and throw considerable light on 
the spirit which prevailed among the Brethren at that pe- 
riod. The Doctrine of the atonement of Jesus, was made 
the sole foundation of their faith and practice ; and they 
looked to the sacrifice of Christ alone for pardon and 
justification. 

Thus, within the space of about fifteen years, since 
the revival of their Church, the Brethren had, by the 
grace of God, come to a mutual and unanimous under- 
standing on the fundamental principles of their constitu- 
tion, the essential Doctrines of Christianity, and their 
application to all the necessities of the sinner. And here- 
by, no doubt, they were prepared to be instrumental in 
, the hand of the Lord, for extending and building up His 
Church on earth ; by successfully peaching Christ cru- 
cified to Christians and to Heathens. 

The old accusation against the Brethren, and especial- 
ly against Zinzendorf, of inveigling people to emigrate 
from Bohemia and Moravia, was now again revived, and 
so strenuously supported by some of the Count's person- 
al enemies that the Government was induced to interpose 
its Authority. A mandate was issued by the king of Po- 
land, who was also Elector of Saxony, ordering Zinzen- 
jdorf to quit his Majesty's dominions. At the same time 
la Royal Commission was appointed, to examine into the 
state of things at Herrnhut, where its members arrived 
on the 9th May, 1736. During a stay of nine days, they 
minutely examined into the Doctrine of the Brethren, and 
all the regulations of the settlement ; and expressed them- 



63 THE RENEWAL OF 

selves fully satisfied ; and in their report spoke in very 
honorable and approving terms of Herrnhut and it regula- 
tions. Count Zinzendorf 's exile from Saxony, was fol- 
lowed by many important consequences to himself and 
to the Brethren's Church ; as his compulsory absence 
became the occasion of extending the knowledge of the 
Church, and increasing the number of its Congregations, 
in different countries. Being at Cassel when he receiv- 
ed the Royal mandate, he remarked after reading it : — 
M At all events it will require ten years before I can per- 
manently fix my residence in Herrnhut ; for now we 
must collect a Congregation of Pilgrims, and train la- 
borers to go forth into all the world, and preach Christ 
and His salvation." — Impressed with this idea, he com- 
menced a peculiar domestic establishment, which he 
continued for several years, and which exerted perhaps 
in a great measure, such an influence in the Brethren's 
Church, that its fruits are still visible, especially in the 
Missionary spirit. Viewing the Brethren's Church, as 
a Society revived by the Lord, for the special purpose 
of diffusing the Gospel throughout the world, Zinzen- 
dorf considered himself solemnly pledged to see to it, 
that this its destination, should be carefully attended to, 
and as far as possible, faithfully executed. When ban- 
ished from Saxony, he saw no other way for obtaining 
the proposed end, than by having besides his own fami- 
ly, those persons constantly about him, who were un~ 
der preparation for service in the Church. These were 
occasionally joined by Missionaries who had returned 
from pagan countries, and by Brethren, who had come 
back from their deputations to different parts of Christen- 
dom, and who mostly remained with the Count, till they 
resumed their former employment, or received new ap- 
pointments. These persons constituted the Congrega- 
tion of Pilgrims, which, strictly speaking, was never 
stationary ; for whenever the Count changed his place 
of residence, the greater part of the company followed 
him. Special attention was paid to the design of their 
Institution ; and for this purpose, days and even weeks. 



tub brethren's church. 6& 

were sometimes occupied in Conferences, for deliberat- 
ing on subjects, bearing on the enlargement of Christ's 
Kingdom. However singular and peculiar this plan may 
appear, it was overruled for good, and made the means 
of extensive benefit. Though Zinzendorf defrayed near- 
ly all expenses from his private purse, occasionally as- 
sisted by such members as possessed property, it was 
too expensive a scheme to be long supported ; and th© 
Institution therefore terminated with his exile,, in ten 
years. 

Not knowing whither to direct his course after his ra- 
turn to Saxony had been imperatively forbidden, Zin- 
zendorf was providentially led into Wetteravia, and took 
up his residence in the old castle of Ronneburg, near 
Marienborn.* Permission being obtained for his return 
to Saxony, he repaired to Herrnhut, in June, 1737, but 
again returned after a few months, concessions being re- 
quired, which he could not conscientiously make. Hav- 
ing now purchased a piece of land near Budingen, a set- 
tlement of the Brethren was formed upon it, and called 
. Herrnhaag. The Congregation was in time regularly 
organized, and in a few years the place outnumbered 
Herrnhut in inhabitants. — At the close of 1737, we find 
Zinzendorf in Berlin, and during his stay, measures 
were adopted for forming a union with some descendants 
of the Bohemian Brethren, who lived in this city. In. 
the same year an attempt was made to form a settlement 
at Pilgerruh, in Holstein, for the purpose of having a 
more convenient place, whence the Missionaries might 



* This town lies- about thirty-five miles from Frankfort od the 
Mayne. 

Finding the old castle very desolate in its appearance, — the seat 
of poverty and filth, — occupied by Jews and Sectarians, — Christian 
David remarked : — " We cannot remain here." — Zinzendorf replied : 
"• Christian, you have been in Greenland !" " Yes," retorted th* 
other ; — " but were this spot only like Greenland. Here we must 
perish, because it is much worse !" 

The Congregation of Pilgrims abode but a short time at the castle. 



64 THE RENEWAL Off 

depart for their distant homes. The inhabitants being 
by degrees required by the Danish Government, to re- 
nounce all connexion with Zinzendorf and their Breth- 
ren at Herrnhut, began to feel the injurious consequen- 
ces of such a separation, and therefore obtained permis- 
sion to evacuate the place. They began to leave after 
a short abode of four years, and gradually disposed of 
the land and houses. 

The first Synod of the Renewed Church of the Breth- 
ren was convened at Marienborn in the year 1736 ; and 
in the sequel one was held every few years. Besides 
these assemblies, Synodal Conferences were more fre- 
quently held ; and one, that met in London in Septem- 
ber, 1741, requires special notice. Leonard Dober^ 
who had rilled the office of General Elder, since 1735, 
-feeling the weight of his duties quite insupportable, ten- 
dered his resignation to the Synod of 1740. This import- 
ant subject was taken into consideration at the Synodal 
Conference the following year, no successor having as 
yet been appointed. Many difficulties presented them- 
selves ; and much discussion ensued. — At length it was 
impressed on the minds of several Brethren, that as the 
Government of the whole Christian Church belongs to 
the Lord Jesus, the Brethren's Unity, being a branch of 
the Universal Church, might confidently expect that He 
would at all times counsel them, according to His will. 
—•The Conference therefore unanimously resolved to a- 
bolish the office of General Elder, and to apply for di- 
rection to the Lord Himself, by the use of the Lot, in 
■concerns connected with the Government of the Church, 
in all cases in which the Holy Scriptures and the lead- 
ings of Divine Providence, do not furnish a clear rule 
of action. The public notification of this event took 
place on the 13th November, on which day it is still an- 
nually commemorated, by appropriate religious services. 
— One means not yet noticed, which had considerable 
influence in promoting and keeping alive the spirit of de- 
votedness to God, was the publication of a Collection of 
Scripture Texts, for each day in the year, and annual- 



THE BRETHREN'S CHURCH. 65 

ly varied. The first Collection was printed in 1731 ; 
and in 1740, it was enlarged by the addition of a second 
Text, for each day. Since then, this practice has been 
regularly continued. The selection is made by the Uni- 
ty's Elders' Conference ; and contains Texts from the 
Old and New Testament. The little volume is entitled ; 
The Text Book of the Protestant Church of the United 
Brethren. This period of the Brethren's history was a 
season of incessant activity for the extension of the King- 
dom of the Redeemer. Numerous settlements were 
formed in Germany and Prussia ; and the same mea- 
sures carried out in England. A company of Breth-* 
ren also sailed for Georgia (in the present United States) 
in 1734, in order to preach the Gospel to the Indians.. 
On their passage they became acquainted with theRevd. 
Messrs. John and Charles Wesley, and Benjamin Ing- 
ham. The first mentioned gentleman having returned to 
England in 1738, induced the Revd. Peter Boehler, to 
proceed to Oxford, where he held most edifying meet- 
ings.* Certain difficulties arising, a separation took 
place in 1740, and the venerable leader of the Metho- 
dists, John Wesley, chose the Foundry, for the place 
of worship for his followers, and the Brethren retained 
their original house in Fetterlane, London. — Their la- 
bours were not long confined to the Metropolis, but ex-> 
tended to many parts of the Kingdom. Ireland also, 
was not overlooked, and John Cennick, whose grand- 
father had been a Bohemian refugee, was the first in- 
strument whom God was pleased to employ, for cun- 
veying a knowledge of the Brethren to that Island. In 
1746 Cennick commenced his ministerial labors in Dub- 

* Peter Boehler had studied at the University of Jena, where lie 
became acquainted with the Brethren, joined their Church, and 
was called to the ministry. Wesley acknowledges that he obtained 
his first clear insight into the Doctrines of Justification by Faith, 
and of Good Works, as the fruits of Faith, from his intercourse 
with the Brethren, and particularly from the Sermons of Peter 
Boehler, and Christian David. The former of these, he considered 
his spiritual Father. [See Coke's Life of Wesley]. 

5 



66 THB RENEWAL OF 

tin, and in the course of six years, he and his zealous 
assistants, occupied sixteen chapels, and besides preach- 
ed in upwards of forty places, experiencing the richest 
blessings of the Lord upon their exertions. 

On the European Continent there was scarcely a Pro- 
testant Kingdom, to which the Brethren did not extend 
their labors. In Holland and Denmark, different settle, 
ments were established ; and Deputies sent to Norway,, 
Sweden, and Prussia, as were Missionaries to Green- 
land, South Africa, and the West Indies. 

The Revd. George Whitfield, who had purchased 
some land in Pennsylvania, and called the tract, Naza- 
reth, invited the Brethren, after having left Georgia in 
1740, to undertake the building of a large School-house, 
which he designed for the instruction of the Negroes.* 
They readily acceded to the proposal, and in the course 
of a few years, purchased the tract, which Whitfield' of- 
fered them. In 1741, Zinzendorf himself arrived in 
New-York, and numbers of Brethren also came from 
the land of their Fathers, to settle in the New World ; 
and the building of Bethlehem was commenced in 1741. 
Ten years later, a large extent of land was purchased in 
North Carolina, and the name Wachovia given to the 
district. The first colony in this dense forest, was cal- 
led Bethabara ; and Bethany and Salem, were soon af- 
ter established. Congregations were also formed in New- 
York, Philadelphia, Newport, Lancaster, and other pla- 
ces ; and a number of Missionary stations commenced a- 
mong the Indians, in different parts of the country. 

Though the founders and first members of the Renew- 
ed Church of the Brethren, were men of much serious- 
ness and gravity, — and sound in every essential article 
of the Christian; faith, they were not wholly delivered 
from a legal spirit. But in proportion as the Evangeli- 
cal Doctrine of Justification by Faith, without the works 

* This venerable building still stands, a short distance to the East 
of the village of Nazareth, and is called Ephraiah. It is worthy 
the notice of all strangers. 



THE BRETHREN'S CHURCH. 67 

of the Law, became better understood, (see Galatians 2. 
v. 16,) and was applied to the hearts by the Holy Ghost, 
the spirit of bondage was succeeded by the spirit of a- 
doption, and fear gave way to love. (Roms. 8th ch.) In 
their great zeal to root out selfrighteousness, some of the 
Brethren were not sufficiently on their guard against le- 
vity of expression. The delight they took in speaking 
of the sufferings of Christ, — which arose from the pene- 
trating sense they had of their infinite value, by degrees 
degenerated into fanciful representations of the various 
scenes of His passion. And some of the less experienced 
preachers, even seemed to vie with each other in intro- 
ducing into their discourses, the most extravagant, and 
often wholly unintelligible expressions. In consequence, 
religion, instead of enlightening the understanding, gov- 
erning the affections, and regulating the general conduct, 
became a mere play of the imagination. This species 
of fanaticism first broke out at Herrnhaag, in 1746 ; and 
thence spread to several other congregations. The more 
serious members of the Church, bitterly lamented the e- 
vil, which they could not at once eradicate ; — and others, 
considering the malady as incurable, withdrew from its 
communion. Though the conduct of such as were most 
infected with this error, was not immoral and criminal, 
— it was highly disgraceful to the Christian profession. 
No sooner was Zinzendorf fully informed of the existing 
evil, than he adopted means for its suppression. From 
London, where he then resided, he in 1749, addressed a 
Letter to all the Congregations, sharply reproving them 
for their past conduct, and exhorting them to repent, and 
do their first works. — In the following year he convened 
a Synod at Barby, and after an adjournment of some 
months, it continued its deliberations at Herrnhut,. in 
1751. By these measures, a stop was put to the spread- 
ing evil ; and by the merciful help of the Lord, this sift* 
ins:, (as the Brethren called it,) terminated before it had 
produced any permanently injurious consequences. The 
public at large, made use of these proceedings, as a fair 
pretext for indulging their hatred against the Brethren, 



68 



THE RENEWAL OF 



whose childish rather than wicked aberrations from the 
simplicity of evangelical doctrine, brought upon them a 
torrent of abuse from all quarters. Various controver- 
cies ensued between the different opponents of the Breth- 
ren, who themselves seldom answered the accusations 
brought against them. Their silence being construed in- 
to a tacit acknowledgement of guilt. Bishop Spangenberg 
was at length requested to examine all the Controversial 
Writings, and prepare a reply. This he did in his Jlpo- 
logetical Declaration ; and gradually a favorable change 
of opinion took place, which was first evident in Saxo- 
ny. After the decease of the reigning Count, Ernest 
Casimir, in Wetteravia, (1749,) who had granted the 
Brethren various civil and religious privileges and immu- 
nities, their adversaries laid new plans for their destruc- 
tion ; and matters were carried to such an extent, that 
in Feb. 1750, an Edict was issued by the Government 
of Budingen, ordering the total evacuation of Herrnhaag, 
within the space of three years, if its inhabitants would 
not renounce all connexion with Zinzendorf. They 
therefore resolved to depart, leaving their large houses 
and extensive manufactures behind them. During the 
first year, nearly five hundred persons had emigrated ; 
and before the expiration of the term allowed for their 
removal, Herrnhaag was left wholly destitute of its for- 
mer inhabitants. Owing to the evacuation of this place, 
and to other causes, financial difficulties arose, which 
continued for several years. In the midst of this distres- 
sing staB of affairs in Wetteravia, a ray of light was 
shed forth from Saxony, which seemed to give promise 
of approaching help. This was the royal decree, issued 
in 1747, reinstating Count Zinzendorf in all his privile- 
ges in that Kingdom. 

Having taken up his final abode in Berthelsdorf in 
1755, he continued his labours with his wonted activity ; 
but his constitution gradually became impaired, and he 
soon felt that life was drawing to its close. After sever- 
al days' illness, early in the morning of the 9th of May, 
1760, he sent for his family, but was not able to speak. 



69 

He raised himself in his bed, — looked at those who sur- 
rounded him, with a countenance expressive of peace 
and affection ; — and then, reclining his head, and clo- 
sing his eyes, fell gently asleep in Jesus, having attain- 
ed the age of sixty years. 

A Circular was immediately sent to all the Congrega- 
tions, notifying this painful event ; and on the 16th May, 
the day of interment, Herrnhut was filled by a crowd of 
people, who collected to take part in the last honors, 
shown to the mortal remains of so remarkable a man. — 
The procession which was formed in the square, before 
the Church, moved forwards, (after the singing of a sol- 
emn hymn,) to the burying-place, on the slope of the 
Hutberg, a short distance from the village. The coffin 
was deposited in a vault, in the centre of the graveyard, 
(by the side of the grave of the Countess, who had died 
four years sooner,) and the funeral service performed ac- 
cording to the ritual of the Brethren's Church. Thus 
died the man, who was in the strictest sense of the word, 
an Original ; raised up and endowed by God, with pe- 
culiar talents for the work which He, in His providence, 
had alloted him. As aNobleman, a Scholar, and a Di- 
vine, his memory will be respected by all who can ap- 
preciate real worth. Among the Brethren, it is cherish- 
ed with admiration and gratitude, as Zinzendorf was the 
instrument in the hand of God, for raising their Church 
from its ruins ; recovering its Constitution ; and in- 
spiring its members with zeal for the glory of the Lord, 
and the advancement of His Kingdom among Christians 
and Heathen. 

After Zinzendorf's death, the Bishops and other Minis- 
ters of the Church, who either resided at Herrnhut, or 
had come thither to attend his funeral, met together for 
consultation, when it was unanimously resolved to make 
no alteration in the manner of directing the affairs of the 
Church, until a General Synod could be convened. This 
was done in 1764. In the meantime the administration 
was vested in a Provisional Conference, of which Johan- 
nes of Watteville, ("the adopted son of Frederic of Wat- 



^0 THE &BNEWAL Of 

teville, and son-in-law of Zinzendorf,) Henry the 28th 
Count Reuss, and Br, Koeber were the chief members 

A general Synod of the Church, met at Marien 
born in 1764 ; ten years having elapsed since the last, 
during which space of time the sphere of the Brethren's 
labors had been very much enlarged. Encouraged by 
the blessings which rested on their efforts to extend the 
preaching of the Gospel, new undertakings were attempt- 
ed, and frequently accompanied by the most unexpected 
success. 

In 1766, Leonard Bober, — a faithful follower and de- 
voted servant of Christ, — a most useful instrument in 
laying the foundation and raising the superstructure of 
the Renewed Church of the Brethren, — and the Father 
of her Missions among the Heathen, — entered into the 
joy of the Lord. He was born at Munchsroth in Suabia, 
on the 7th May, 1706, and was a younger brother of 
Martin Dober. When nineteen years of age, he became 
a resident of Herrnhut, and in 1730, felt an inward call 
to devote himself to the Mission service. The spirit with 
which he engaged in it, would have entitled him to un- 
qualified praise, even had he failed in the attempt. He 
had declared that he would be content, if but one soul 
were gained for the Saviour ; yet when he returned to 
Europe, after a residence of not quite two years in St. 
Thomas, (West Indies,) there were four Negroes, ou 
whom the Gospel had proved its divine and saving pow- 
er. The seed of the Word of God, which he scattered 
with fervent prayers and tears, fell in many instances 
into good ground, where in due time it sprang up and 
produced a rich harvest. His early return to Europe 
was occasioned by his being elected General Elder, which 
office he held about eight years, when he tendered his 
resignation. In 1747 he was consecrated a Bishop ; and 
after the decease of Zinzendorf, he was elected a mem- 
ber of the Board of General Superintendence. In 1766, 
after a journey into Silesia, he was afflicted with fever 
and acute rheumatic pains, which he bore with exempla- 
ry patience, waiting for his final release from all suffer- 




THE BRETHREN'S CHURCH. 71 

ings. On the 1st April, he closed his pilgrimage, ag- 
ed 60 years. In his character he displayed the firmest de- 
cision, and most active perseverance. Truth appeared 
in all he did ; — there was nothing affected, — nothing bor- 
rowed. Gravity predominated in his disposition, yet in 
his intercourse with others, he was kind and affable. 

Conformably to a Resolution adopted by the Synod of 
1769, a similar assembly was convened six years after, 
at Barby, (in Prussia,) the place of residence of the El- 
der's Conference of the Unity, which name was substi- 
tuted for that of the Conference of General Direction at 
the last Synod but one, just mentioned. It is still retain- 
ed by the Board, entrusted with the general superintend- 
ence of the Church, and consists of three Departments ; 
the Educational, — Missionary, — and Financial.* 

The American Revolution breaking out in 1775, the 
Brethren were placed in a most critical situation ; but 
their peaceable disposition and cheerful obedience to all 
just laws, screened them in a great measure from suffer^ 
ing under false accusations. The political state of the 
country, throwing difficulties in the intercourse between 
the Old and the New World, the regular communications 
of the European with the American branch of the Breth- 
ren's Church, were greatly impeded. Desirous of as- 
suring the American Brethren of their cordial sympathy, 
the Unity's Elders' Conference resolved on holding a 
visitation, in North America, and gave this important 
commission to Bishop John Frederic Reichel, who, ac- 
companied by his wife and the American deputies at the 
Synod of 1775, arrived in New York in March 17^9. — 
This visitation, which was attended with much inconve- 

* The government and direction of the entire Brethren's Unity, 
are vested in the General Synods, in which ministers and delegates 
from the congregations appear, as the representatives of the Church. 
In the interval between two Synods, the direction of the Church is 
entrusted to a Board, called, the Unity's Elders' Conference, elect- 
ed by the Synod, and sanctioned by the lot ; and this Board is itself 
accountable to the Synod; whilst all other Conferences, as well as 
all the Ministers of the Unity, are responsible to the U. E. C." — » 
See Report of the May Conference, 1847, Bethlehem. 



72 THE RENEWAL OF 

nience, on account of the troubles of war, proved a great 
encouragement to the congregations, and especially to their 
Ministers and Elders. Peace being restored, another vis- 
itation was held by the Bishop Johannes of Watteville, 
who landed at Philadelphia, in May 1784, after suffering 
shipwreck on one of the Bermuda Isles. His official en- 
gagements detained him three years in the country. Sev- 
eral important measures were resolved upon, and others 
put into execution. A Conference of Superintendence, 
(Provincial Helper's Conference,) of the Pennsylvania 
District, was organized at Bethlehem, and Bishop Ett- 
wein appointed its President. A similar Board was es- 
tablished at Salem, North Carolina, for the Wachovia 
District. Bishop Watteville returned to Europe in 1787, 
and the following year closed his mortal life, in his sev- 
entieth year, of which he had spent fifty in the service of 
the Brethren's Church. This experienced and faithful 
servant of Christ, was the son of a Lutheran Clergyman, 
the Rev. John M. Langguth, of Walschleben in Thurin- 
gia, where he was born, Oct. 18th, 1718. Having been 
favoured with a liberal and pious education, he removed 
to the University at Jena, in 1736. Making the ac- 
quaintance of Count Zinzendorf, he now became the tutor 
of the young Count Christian Renatus von Zinzendorf. 
Joining the Brethren's Church, Langguth in 1739 receiv- 
ed a ministerial appointment at Herrnhaag, and display- 
ed an apostolic zeal for the cause of Christ, and during 
Zinzendorf s absence in North America, he became a 
most active member of the Conference of General Direc- 
tion. At the Synod of Marienborn, convened in 1744, 
he was appointed first assistant to Zinzendorf, and thus 
became next to him, the chief official person in the Breth- 
ren's Church. In the same year, the Baron Frederic of 
Watteville, adopted Langguth as his son, and he receiv- 
ed the title of Johannes Baron of Watteville. In 1747 
he was consecrated Bishop, and during the following year 
was sent on a visitation to the Danish West Indies, 
by way of North America. He was absent two years, 
and then received a commission to visit all the Cangrega- 



THE BRETHREN'S CHURCH. 73 

tions in Germany. Scarce had he enjoyed three months' 
repose, when he prepared for visiting Greenland, in which 
country he stopped two months. Subsequently he was 
appointed to visit theEstablishments in England, Scotland, 
and Ireland, several times ; and also those in N. Ameri- 
ca, (as already stated,) in 1783. Upon Zinzendorf's 
death, Bishop Watteville occupied the most prominent 
place in the Provisional Conference. Afterwards he be- 
came a member of the Unity's Elders' Conference, and 
remained so, by re-election at each succeeding Synod, till 
the day of his death. Few men, even in the earlier pe- 
riod of the Renewed Brethren's Church, when all was 
life and activity, can be compared with Bishop Watte- 
ville, for self denial, indefatigable zeal, and incessant bo- 
dily labor and mental exertion, in the cause of Religion. 
Humility, which had always been a prominent trait in 
his character, shone with increasing brilliancy as lie ad- 
vanced in years ; but even this, was eclipsed by his un- 
dying love to the Saviour and the Brethren, which was 
most conspicuous. 

Another valuable life, terminated on the 18th Septem- 
ber 1792. On that day, Bishop Spangenberg departed, 
at the advanced age of eighty eight years. In 1735, he 
had conducted the first company of Brethren to North 
America ; and for many years subsequent, had the chief 
superintendence of their Establishments in this part of 
the world. He returned to Germany in 1762, being e- 
lected a member of the General Board of Direction, con- 
stituted after Zinzendorf s death. He held the presiden- 
cy of it, from the Synod of 1769, till that of 1798. Faith 
in his Saviour, fervent love to Him, and unshaken hope in 
God, even in circumstances the most difficult and trying, 
were traits in Spangenberg's character, which distinguish- 
ed him in all the diversified scenes of his laborious life ; 
and which shone with undiminished lustre, to its very 
close. 

The political world, towards the close of the eighteenth 
century, being greatly agitated in Europe and America, 
and war stalking over the earth, with his arm bare for 



74 THE RENEWAL OF 

any bloody struggle, scenes of cruelty and Horror did not 
escape even the quiet abodes of the Brethren. It was 
therefore with unfeigned gratitude to God, that they hail- 
ed the peace of Amiens in March 1802. 

On the 6th November 1801, Bishop Christian Gregor 
closed his useful and active life. He was born at the 
village of Dirsdorf in Silesia, on the first January, 1723. 
Brought up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord, 
even in his childhood, he afforded much comfort to his 
widowed Mother, who departed this life, before her son 
had attained his ninth year. After this painful event, 
Christian found a kind and generous friend in the Lord 
of the Manor ; and this worthy Nobleman gave his adopt- 
ed son a good education. Seduced by evil company, he 
yielded to temptations ; but conscience reproved him, and 
he became sensible of his dangerous condition. In 1740 
Gregor visited Herrnhut, hoping there to cultivate his 
talents as Teacher in the School, of which he had heard 
so much. His stay at this place, proved a benefit to his 
spiritual state ; but the poverty of the inhabitants induc- 
ed him to leave in the following year. His mind howev- 
er, was not at ease. A marauding party of hussars, (Aus- 
tria being then at war with Prussia,) being engaged in 
plundering Dirsdorf, where Gregor now resided, he ac- 
cidentally fell in with them, and a pistol being presented 
to his face, his life was threatened, if he didl not open 
the door. In his fear and anxiety, he offered an ejacu- 
latory prayer to God, vowing, that if He would save his 
life, he would return to Herrnhut, and devote himself to 
the service of the Church. Having fortunately escaped, 
he left his native country, in 1742, and was employed 
in instructing children and youth at Herrnhut, and; at 
other places, for several years. At the Synod of 1764, 
Gregor became a member of the Elder's Conference, to 
which office he was re-elected at each succeeding Synod. 
In 1789, he was consecrated Bishop. He paid several 
official visits to the Congregations on the Continent, and 
also in North America. Possessing great musical talents, 
and a natural gift for versification, he delighted! to > env 



the brethren's church. 75 

«ploy them toi the honour of his Saviour, and for the edi- 
fication of his Bretfiren. The German Hymn-Book, 
still in use ki our Congregations, was compiled by him, 
and has been enriched by several of his own hymns. In 
the afternoon of the 6th November, 1801, while taking* 
a short walk, he was seized by oppression of the chest ; 
and on reaching his home, felt so completely exhausted, 
that he required assistance to reach his apartment. In 
less than fifteen minutes he ceased breathing, and the 
immortal spirit winged its flight into the regions of eter- 
nity . 

The prospect of extensive usefulness, which had o- 
! pened to the Brethren in North America, they endea- 
j voured to improve to the best of their ability. Obtaining 
i a grant of twelve thousand acres of land, on the Mus- 
kingum in Ohio, from Congress, no pains were spared 
by the Brethren's Society for the Propagation of the 
i Gospel among the Heathen, (established at Bethlehem 
j as early as 1787 s ) to render these lands available, for 
the benefit of the Missions among the Indians. Moreo- 
ver, another tract, located in Erie County, Pennsylva- 
nia, was also granted to the same Society, by the Le- 
gislature of that state, in 1791. 

The nations of Europe being again involved in all the 
horrors of a cruel and protracted warfare, several of the 
Brethrens' Settlements suffered extremely ; — the towns 
being plundered, and the inhabitants treated in the most 
shameful manner. 

Peace ensuing in 18L4, rest again returned to the bo- 
som of the different Congregations, whose members, 
' with mingled emotions of humiliation and gratitude, join- 
ed their fellow subjects in the solemn observance of the 
! Days of Public Thanksgiving to God, which were ap- 
pointed by the respective Governments, who had the ci- 
vil rule-over tkem* 

Circumstances indicating the expediency of convening 
a General Sya od, this was done in the year 1818 ; and 
the sessions v;ere solemnly opened at Herrnhut, on the 
$rsi of June* Important and difficult questions were de- 



76 THE RENEWAL OF 

bated; and certain changes in the Discipline of the Church j 
which did not effect the fundamental principles of the 
Constitution, as set forth in the Statutes of the Unity, 
were finally and cordially agreed to, by the members of 
the Synod. What tended strongly to confirm the hopes 
of this Assembly, was the unanimous testimony given 
by all the Deputies, that, with regard to Doctrine, but 
one sentiment pervaded the whole Church. 

A century having now rolled by, since the Renewal 
of their Church, the Brethren kept a holy solemnity un- 
to the Lord, on the 17th of June, 1822, that being the 
day, on which, one hundred years before, the Moravian 
Exiles began the building of Herrnhut. In every place 
where members of the Church resided, among Christi 
ans and Heathen, that day was devoted to acts of solemn 
worship ; — old and young entering the Courts of the 
Lord, with thanksgiving, each calling to the other, and 
saying : " This is the day which the Lord hath made, 
we will rejoice, and be glad in it." 

Sjnce that time, two General Synods have met ; one 
111^825, and the other in 1836; both holding their sit- 
tings at Herrnhut, the Mother-congregation of the Re- 
newed Church. 

Compared with the whole Church universal, the Uni- 
ty of the Brethren appears but "as a drop of a bucket." 
Sprung from a small seed of bold confessors of Christ, it 
grew up and bore fruit amidst powerful opposition ; and 
tried in the fire of persecution, its sincere members re- 
mained faithful even unto death. When at length the e- 
nemy prevailed, and the strong hand of power broke the I 
external bonds of union ; the sacred flames within, though 
smothered under the ruins of their temples, could not be 
extinguished, for God had kindled it, and He knew 
how to preserve it. And when the day, decreed by His 
unerring wisdom, came, a live coal from the altar com- 
municated fire, light, and heat to the dying members. 

From the ashes of the Ancient Brethren's Unity, in 
Moravia, rose the Renewed Church of the Brethren ; — 
not by any human contrivance, or preconcerted plan ; 



THE BRETKItEN S CHURCH. 77 

mot by might, nor by power, but by the Spirit of the 
Lord. (Zech. 4th ch.) She too, like her parent, has 
weathered many a storm, and can look back to a cloud 
of faithful witnesses of divine Truth ; who, amidst cal- 
umny and opposition, in bonds and imprisonment, un- 
ider a tropical sun, and in the frozen regions of the north, 
— far from home and kindred, — in the east and in the 
west, have erected the standard of the Cross, and en- 
disted thousands to swear eternal allegiance to Him, who 
died to save a world of perishing sinners. 

Let us pray the Lord, that a double portion of the spir- 
it of the Fathers, may descend upon the children ; and 
that our little Zion may stand forth, like another David, 
" strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might;" 
and in the fierce contest between light and darkness, tri- 
iumph over the giant principles of the world, which boast- 
ifully threaten to overwhelm the Truth, and all who hold 
it forth in the light of Gods countenance. 

What a glorious meeting will that be, when, through 
ijthe eternal merits of Jesus, we shall be permitted to join 
iithe Saints of all ages, around the great white throKHfc of 
our Lord and Saviour, in Heaven ; and hear from them 
the wonders which God wrought in their behalf, while 
Hhey suffered in the flesh ; and how graciously and mer- 
cifully He supported and encouraged them, under the se- 
iverest trials and tortures, "to keep the faith," and glori- 
fy God in their lives and deaths. 

j As "the blood of the Martyrs, is the seed of the Church," 
3the Lord grant, that our suffering Ancestors may never 
/be forgotten or disgraced, by their highly privileged de- 
jscendants, who live in such blessed times of peace and 
tranquility, when every one may " sit under his own 
vine and fig tree, no man making him afraid. 

" And unto the only wise God, our Saviour and Re- 
ideemer, be all honor and glory, world without end." 
Amen. 



SHORT SKETCH OF THE SESSION® OF THE 
UNITED BRETHREN. 



"Go ye into all the world, and preach the Gospel to every creature." 
Mark 16, v. 15. 



As the Moravian Brethren had been a Church of Mar- 
tyrs during the first ages of its existence, we may justly 
say, that for more than a century past, they have been 
a Church of Missionaries. When the refugees on Count 
Zinzendorfs estates, scarcely amounted to six hundred 
persons, — when they had themselves just found rest from 
suffering, and were beginning to build a church and hab- 
itations, where there had previously been a wilder- 
ness, — the Missionary spirit was sent down upon them 
with such constraining influence, that within the short 
period often years, they had sent Missionaries to St. 
Tha&nfts and St. Croix m the West Indies, to Greenland, 
to the Indians in North and South America, to Lapland, 
to Tartary, to Algiers, to Western Africa, to the Cape 
of Good Hope, and to Ceylon ; as they did subsequent- 
ly to others of the West India Islands, to Persia, to E- 
gypt, to Labrador, and to India. In several of these 
countries, their attempts to christianize and civilize, have 
proved unsuccessful. In some instances the Missionar- 
ies sent out never reached the places of their destination; 
and in others, the political state of the country, to which 
they went, rendered their immediate return an imperious 
duty ; and in several cases, they were compelled to re- 
linquish their benevolent designs, after years of patient 
perseverance and heroic fortitude, spent in fruitless en- 
deavours to impress the wretched natives with the im- 
portance of the Gospel. 

Going forth as hardy pioneers, who penetrate the 
thickest forest, unrestrained by dangers and privations, 
our earlier Missionaries submitted to the most painful 



SHORT SKETCH OF THE MISSIONS 79 

sacrifices, through their zeal and devotedness to commu- 
nicate the blessings of the Gospel to the Heathen. Rely- 
ing solely on the Grace of God, His Holy Spirit ever 
accompanied them, as it had done the Apostles of the 
Lord, in their labors and trials. Whether under a trop- 
ical sun, or amid the icy mountains of the frozen north, 
they willingly laboured to bring souls to Christ, and the 
fruits of their zeal and perseverance in due time appear- 
ed. Where Satan and darkness once reigned unmolest- 
ed, the saving light of the Gospel has penetrated, and 
continues to illumine the hearts of many who were hur- 
ried in vice and corruption. 

Count Zinzendorf being on a visit at Copenhagen in 

1731, some of his domestics became acquainted with a 
Negro, called Anthony. This man told them much of 
the miseries endured by the slaves on the Island of St. 
Thomas ; and of the ardent desire of many, to be instruct- 
ed in the way of salvation. Deeply affected by this re- 
lation, the Count on his return to Herrnhut. took an ear- 
ly opportunity of mentioning this occurrence to the Con- 
gregation. The zeal of the Brethren for the conversion 
of these heathen, being roused, they determined that no 
obstacle, however apparently insurmountable, should de- 
ter them from making the attempt. In the following year 

1732, two Brethren, Leonard Dober and Christian 
Nitschmann, sailed for the Danish Islands ; and such 
was their devotedness to the work, that having heard 
they could not otherwise have intercourse with the slaves, 
they went with the full purpose of submitting to be them- 
selves enslaved, that they might have the opportunity of 
teaching the poor captive Africans, the way of deliver- 
ance from the bondage of sin and satan. Although this 
sacrifice was not required of them, they still maintained 
themselves by manual labor, under a tropical sun, and 
while every hour of leisure was employed in conversing 
with the heathen. Numerous Stations have since been 
established on these, and a number of other Islands, where 
the sable congregations are increasing rapidly ; and the 
accounts which are constantly received from those parts, 



SO SHORT SKETCH OF THE MISSIONS 

must highly interest every feeling and christian mind. 

Not a step behind the first Missionaries to the Negroes, 
in ardour and self denial, were those who went to 
Greenland in 1733.* Even before they set sail, many 
troubles and difficulties presented themselves, which 
might well have deterred them ; but being full of confi- 
dence in the help of the Lord, they gained strength, and 
were not disappointed in their desires. The self devotion 
of these eminent servants of Christ, is partly shown by 
the following anecdote : While at Copenhagen, Count 
Pless, who was much interested for them, asked them, 
how they intended to procure a livelihood in Greenland? 
Unacquainted with the situation and climate of the coun- 
try, our Missionaries replied ; " By the labour of our 
hands, and God's blessing ;'' adding, that they would build 
a house, and cultivate a piece of land, not wishing to be 
burdensome to any one. Being told, there was no wood 
fit for building in that desolate region, they said : " In 
that case we will dig a hole in the earth, and lodge there." 
Astonished at their ardour in the cause in which they had 
embarked, the Count replied : "No, you shall not be driv- 
en to that extremit)^, accept these fifty dollars, to buy tim- 
ber to take with you, for the construction of a house." 

When the Brethren arrived in Greenland, they experi- 
enced the most severe trials ; but so intent were they on 
the main object of their mission, that they struggled long 
with many difficulties, which they however finally 
overcame ; and after six years, the first fruits of their la- 
bors were gathered into the Church of Christ. So suc- 
cessful have our Missionaries since been in those cold re- 
gions, that nearly the whole of the Greenland population, 
in the neighborhood of the Settlements, has been convert- 
ed to Christianity. On the opposite, though distant shores 
of Labrador, the Brethren landed in 1752, and the first 
Station was established in 1771. Now there are upwards 

* Christian David was appointed to conduct to Greenland, Mat- 
thew Stach, and his cousin Christian Stach, who started from Cop- 
enhagen on the 10th April, 1733, and landed in Ball's River, on 
May 20th following. 



OF THE BRETHREN'S CHURCH. 81 

of a thousand Christian Esquimaux gathered together in 
four congregations. 

A smalt vessel, annually sent from London, has safe- 
ly conveyed provisions and clothing to these Northern 
"Missions, through icy seas, and along rocky shores, by 
the special protection of the Almighty, for more than 
sixty years. On her voyage in 1811, the cold was so 
intense, though only the end of September, that the run- 
ning rigging, being covered with ice, would not work 
through the blocks, and the sails, stiffened by the frost, 
were quite unmanageable. But it pleased the Lord to 
grant such favourable wind and weather, that nothing 
was required, but to steer the vesseL On reaching the 
Station, Okkak, the sailors were obliged to go aloft, and 
knock off the ice, in order to furl the sails, * 

In 1734, several Brethren landed in Georgia, and 
commenced their Missionary labours among the Indians, 
in the neighbourhood of Savannah. In a few years they 
proceeded as far north as New York, and established 
numerous Stations and Preaching Places. The acti- 
vity, trials, and sufferings of tho faithful Laborers a~ 
mong the roving and turbulent Red-men, are extraoruU 
nary even in Missionary History. In no situation have 
more severe sufferings and trials been endured by the 
Brethren, than in this Mission ; and such names as Ranch, 
Zeisberger, Heckewelder, and others, will ever occupy 

* Consult Life of Heckewelder.—- Also Scenes in the Wilderness. 

The Rev. Dr: Tyng of New York says, in his Recollections of 
England : " I had an agreeable acquaintance in London, in tho 
Rev. Mr. Latrobe, Secretary of the Moravian Missionary Society ; 
and by his invitation I attended a meeting of that Society at then 
Church in Fetter Lane, The exercises were prayer and singing, 
and several addresses, There were present several Missionaries, 
who were just about to embark for Labrador, and also the Captain, 
who has been for sixteen years in the Harmony, the vessel wdiic^ 
had made seventy^onc Missionary voyages in their employ, and waa 
just about sailing upon her seventy-second voyage, Such has been 
the regular providence uniformly over this Missionary ship, that the 
Insurance Offices in London are willing to take the risk upon her 
at a far less premium than upon other ships; a singular testimony 
to the manifestly gracious care of God over Hig people, See Epi*< 
eopaj Record, Jan. 3!, 1843; 



82 SHORT SKETCH OF THE MISSIONS 

conspicuous places in the annals of Missionary labour** 
A cruel Indian war occasioned by the contest between 
the English and the French, in North America, had bro- 
ken out, spreading terror and confusion through the 
whole country. Late in the evening of the 24th Nov.* 
1755, while the Missionaries at Gnadenhuetten, on the 
Mahony, (near the present Mauch Chunk, Pa.) were at 
supper, their attention was suddenly called by the con-* 
tinual barking of dogs, which was followed by the re- 
port of a gun. On opening the door, they observed a 
party of hostile Indians standing before the house, with 
their pieces pointed towards them. The Indians imme- 
diately fired, and Martin Nitschman was killed on the 
spot. His wife and some others were wounded, but ran 
up stairs into the garret, and barricaded the door with 
bedsteads. Hither the savages pursued them ; but not 
being able to force an entrance, they set fire to the house, 
which was soon enveloped in flames. Eleven persons 
belonging to the Mission were burnt alive, and only one 
escaped. — Sister Senseman, already surrounded by the 
flames, was heard to exclaim, 6i 'Tis all well, dear Sa- 
viour ; we expected nothing else." On another occa- 
sion, (March 8th, 1782,) ninety-six men, women, and 
children, composing a Congregation of Christian Indi- 
ans, at Gnadenhuetten, Ohio, having been treacherously 
made prisoners by white banditti, and marched away 
from their peaceful habitations and beloved teachers, were 
scalped and tomahawked in cold blood. They with their 
last breath, gave affecting evidence of their faith in 
Jesus. # 

In no instance did the Word ol Salvation reach the 
consciences of the wild Indians with greater power, or 
more strikingly display its saving efficacy than in the case 
of Tschoop. Before his conversion, he was distinguish- 
ed for every act of outrage and sin ; but now the lion was 
tamed, and the slave of sin and the devil, became the 
child of God, and a preacher of righteousness to his sav- 
age countrymen. The account he once gave of his con- 

* Seq Holmes'iTHistory of the Missions. 



OF THE BRBTHREN* 8 CHURCH. 83 

Version will best elucidate the striking change wrought in 
him. " Brethren," said he, " I have been a heathen, 
and have grown old among them ; therefore I know how 
heathen think. Once a preacher came, and began to ex- 
plain to us that there is a God. We answered : * Dost 
thou think us so ignorant as not to know that ? Return to 
the place whence you came.' Then again another preach- 
er came, and said ; ' You must not get drunk, nor steal, 
nor lie, &c.' We answered : 4 Thou fool, dost thou 
think us ignorant of this? Learn first thyself; and then 
teach the people to whom thou belongest, to leave off 
these things ; for who steal, lie, or are more drunken, 
than thine own people V And thus we dismissed him. 
After some time Brother Rauch came into my hut ; sat 
down and spoke nearly as follows : * I am come to you, 
in the name of the Lord of heaven and earth. He sends 
to let you know, that he will make you happy, and de- 
liver you from the misery,, in which you lie at present. 
For this end, He became a man ; gave his life a ransom, 
and shed His blood for sinners, &c.' When he had fin- 
ished his discourse, he lay down, fatigued with his jour- 
ney, and fell into a sound sleep. I thought, what kind 
of a man is this ? There he lies and sleeps ; I might kill 
him, and throw him into the woods, and who would 
know it? But this gives him no concern. However, I 
could not forget his words ; they constantly recurred to 
my mind. Even when asleep, I dreamed of the blood 
of Christ shed for us. I found this to be widely differ- 
ent from anything I had heard before ; and I interpreted 
Rauch's word.? to the other Indians. Thus through the 
grace of God, an awakening commenced among us. I 
say therefore, Brethren, preach Christ our Saviour,, and 
His sufferings and death, if you wish your words to gain 
entrance among the heathen."* 

* Tschoop received the name of John in holy baptism, on the 16th 
April 1742, and died at Bethlehem, August 27, 1746 ; where his 
remains lie buried, with those of a number of other Indians. 

Consult Spangenberg's Account of the manner in which the Uni- 
ted Brethren carry on their Missions among the Heathen, 



84 SHORT SKETCH OF THE MISSION* 

" Where roll Ohio's streams, Missouri's floods, 

Beneath the umbrage of eternal woods, 

The Red man roam'd, a hunter-warrior wild ; 

On him, the everlasting Gospel smiled 

His heart was aw'd, confounded, pierc'd, subdued ; 

Divinely melted, moulded, and renew'd ; 

The bold, base Savage, Nature's harshest clod, 

Rose from the dust, the image of his God.'* 

The Brethren proceeded to Surinam in South Ameri- 
ca, 1736, with a view to the conversion of the Negroes 
and native Indians found there. A few years after, they 
built Pilgerruh, in the midst of a dense forest, about one 
hundred miles from the sea coast, and in the sequel their 
exertions were extended to other parts of the country. 

In April, 1757, Br. Daehne, accompanied by a few In- 
dians, cleared a piece of ground, and built a small hut. 
In a short time, his companions left him alone in this 
horrid wilderness, the haunt of tigers, serpents, and va- 
rious reptiles ; and the solitary Missionary encountered 
the severest hardships and dangers. One evening r being 
unwell, and going to lie down in his hammock, as he 
entered the door of bis hut, Br. Daehne saw a large ser- 
pent descending u-poii him from a shelf near the roof. In 
the scuffle that ensued, the reptile stung him several 
times in the head, and pursu#ing him very closely twined 
itself round his neck. Supposing that this would occa- 
sion his death, and apprehending that the Indians would 
be charged with it, he wrote with chalk on the table : 
w A serpent has killed me." But, suddenly the Saviour's 
promise to His disciples ; " they shall take up serpents, 
and not be injured," (see Mark 16. v. 18) was impressed 
on his mind ; and seizing the creature with great force, 
he tore it loose, and flung it out of the hut. 

The Caribbee Indians, often threatened to kill Br. 
Daehne. He wrote in one of his Letters : u One day, as 
I sat at dinner, about fifty of them arrived in canoes, and 
surrounded my hut. Some were armed with swords, 



0? THK BRETHREN'S CHURCH. && 

I 

Others with tomahawks. And immediately I went oat to 
them, and bid them welcome. They answered in a sur- 
ly tone, and asked, who had given me permission to build 
on their land. I replied, the Governor. They then ask- 
ed, what views I had in coming hither ? Upon this I 
went up to their chief, and said ; "I have Brethren on the 
other side of the great ocean, who, out of love to you, 
have sent me hither, to tell you of your Creator's love, 
and what He has done to save you." He then asked, if 
I had never heard, that the Indians intended to kill me. 
I answered : " Yes, but I cannot believe it. I am your 
friend, and why will you kill me?" He replied : "We 
have done wrong." Upon this every countenance seem- 
ed altered ; and the party dispersed. The chief, before 
leaving, furnished me with a supply of food, and promis- 
ed frequently to visit me. — Five Stations are at present 
maintained in Surinam. 

Some pious gentlemen in Amsterdam, having applied 
to the Brethren, to send a Missionary to the Cape of 
Good Hope, in South Africa, for the purpose of instruct- 
ing the Hottentots in Christianity, Br. George Schmidt, 
a man of zeal and courage, and who had evinced his faith 
and constancy in Bohemia, during six years' imprison- 
ment for his bold confession of the Gospel, was found 
willing to begin this Missioi). He set sail in 1737, and 
arrived at Cape Town, on the 9th July. After a few 
weeks, he removed into the country, and built a hut and 
cleared a piece of ground near Sergeant's River, about 
seventy miles from the Cape. Finding it impossible to 
learn the Hottentot language, he taught these barbarians 
his own. He soon won the affections of these people, 
and many became willing scholars, and made proficien- 
cy in learning to read the Scriptures. In the course of 
seven years, he gathered a Congregation of forty-seven 
Hottentots ; and had baptized seven persons, who gave 
proof of their change of heart and life. Owing to some 
difficulties that now arose, Schmidt went to Europe, to 
obtain power from the Dutch Government, to pursue his 
peaceful ministry. These were denied, and he was ney-, 



86 SHORT SKETCH OF THB MISSIONS 

er permitted to go back to the colony. At length towards 
the close of the eighteenth century, various circumstan- 
ces occurred, to pave the way for the renewal of the Mis- 
sion in South Africa. Three men, of like spirit with the 
sainted Schmidt, were sent out, with the permission of 
the Dutch Government, and arrived at Cape Town, No- 
vember 21st 1792, about fifty years after George Schmidt 
had left. They found the very spot which he had culti- 
vated ; the ruins of his hut were yet visible, but his gar- 
den was run to waste ; and the whole valley was such a 
haunt of wild beasts, that it was called Bavian's Kloof, 
(Baboon'sGlen.) Here the new Missionaries located them- 
selves ; gathered the Hottentots to hear the Word of God, 
and taught their children to read it, under the shade of a 
magnificent pear-tree, planted by their predecessor ; and 
which was still in full vigour and bearing. But this 
tree and its fruit, were not all that remained of that good 
man's labors. An aged blind woman, Lena, who had 
been one of his converts, being traced out, produced a 
Dutch Testament, which Schmidt had given her, when 
he left Africa ; and which she kept as her greatest trea- 
sure, carefully wrapped in two sheep skins. 

So successful have the Brethren been in this part of the 
world, that their stations appear like gardens of the Lord 
in the midst of the wilderness, the Hottentots themselves 
being as much changed in their habits, manners, and 
minds, as the face of their country has been improved by 
industry and skill. The love of Christ has subdued 
their natural character, and has brought their affections 
and their understandings into obedience to Himself. The 
Brethren, with a zeal and selfdenial, such as actuated 
their first Missionaries were willing to serve in the Leper 
Hospital established by the English Government, at 
Hemel-en-Aarde, in 1818, in which Hottentots, afflicted 
with that loathsome disease, are collected from distant 
parts of the colony. In 1845, this Hospital was remov- 
ed to Robben Island. 

A Mission among the Tambookies and Fingoos, was 
commenced in 1828. The South African Stations con- 



OE THE BRETHREN'S CHURCH. 87 

tain about seven thousand natives, consisting of Hotten- 
tots, Caffres, Tambookies, Fingoos, and Mantatees. 

The whole Mission Field of the Brethren's Church, 
at present, (1847,) embraces sixty-five Stations, at which 
about three hundred Missionaries and Teachers are em- 
ployed ; and out of sixty thousand Converts, there are 
npwards of twenty thousand Communicants. 



The following short notice of the Doctrine and Con- 
stitution of the Moravian Brethren's Church, as far as 
they affect the Missions, may not be misplaced here. 

With regard to the Doctrine preached by our Mission- 
aries, it is their constant aim to make known " Christ 
and Him crucified," and to proclaim His everlasting 
Gospel, which " is the power of God unto salvation, to 
every one that believeth." (Roms. 1. v. 16.) Their mot- 
to is : " To humble the sinner, to exalt the Saviour, and 
to promote holiness." 

The Internal regulations are the same in every Mis- 
sion. Such heathen, who, from the hearing of the Gos- 
pel, or the private conversations of the Missionaries, are 
led to serious reflections, and desire their names to be 
put down, for further instruction, are called New People, 
and reckoned to the class of Catechumens. If they re- 
main steadfast in their resolutions to forsake heathenism, 
and desire Baptism, they are considered as Candidates 
for that Holy Ordinance ; and after previous instruction, 
are baptized. If their conduct proves consistent with 
their professions, they at length become Candidates for 
the Communion, and finally Communicants. When 
the number of Converts is very large, Assistants are 
chosen, who have particular districts assigned them, in 
which they visit the people ; attend to the poor, the sick, 
and infirm ; and are occasionally employed to hold meet- 
ings, and to preach at the outposts. 

The External regulations vary in the different Mis- 
sions. Among free heathen, as in Greenland, North 
America, South Africa, &c, most of the Converts live 



88 SHORT SKETCH OF THE MISSIONS 

together in regular settlements, and thus enjoy the ad- 
vantages of various regulations for promoting their pro- 
gress in spiritual knowledge, and in civilization, which 
regulations are impracticable in Missions among Negro 
slaves. 

Church Discipline is exercised without respect of per- 
sons ; and consists according to the nature of the offence, 
either in exclusion from the meetings of the baptized, or 
in suspension from the Lord's Supper, or in total sepa- 
ration from the Church. 

The General Superintendence of the Missions, is 
properly vested in the Synods of the Church. But, as 
these are convened only occasionally, the Unity's El- 
ders' Conference has the oversight of the Missions, as 
of the other Establishments of the Church. 

The Missionary Service is, in the strictest sense, 
voluntary. Any person desirous of engaging in it, makes 
known his wishes to the Directors ; and if, after being 
informed of the difficulties and dangers attending the Ufa 
of a Missionary, his resolution remains fixed, he is con- 
sidered a Candidate for the Service. Should he eventu- 
ally feel any reluctance, he is at full liberty either to ac- 
cept or decline any proposal or call, which may be of- 
fered him. 

The Brethren's Church has no permanent Fund for 
the Missions. They are maintained by voluntary con- 
tributions collected mostly at stated times in our Congre- 
gations ; and also by the many Female, Young Men's, 
and Juvenile Missionary Societies in the Church.* Not 

* The Society of the Brethren for propagating the Gospel among 
the Heathen, was established at Bethlehem, in 1787. 

Female Missionary Societies are to be found in nearly all Con- 
gregations. Also numerous Juvenile Missionary Societies, gene- 
rally composed of Sunday School Scholars. 

The Young Men's Missionary Society of Bethlehem was orga- 
nized in 1840. That at Salem, N. C, in 1841. That at Lititz, 
Penna., in 1842. 

The United Brethren's Home Missionary Society, was esta- 
blished at Salem, in 1835. 



OP THB BRETHREN^ CHURCH. 89 

able, however, to raise one half of the sum annually re- 
quired, Friends, and Societies in other Christian Com- 
munities, have hitherto been most liberal in their dona- 
tions ; urged to this benevolence, no doubt from the consi- 
deration of the Brethren having led the way in this great 
work of Christianizing the World ; and of their inabili- 
ty further to carry on the portion allotted them by the 
Lord of the vineyard, unless aided by others. And 
while we rejoice to see other Denominations, the exam- 
ple of our Church* now actively engaged in the Mis- 
sionary field, gathering in rich harvests, may the assist- 
ance which we still obtain at their hands, make us 
more active, faithful, and liberal in our own circle. 

To all, who from the heart long and pray for the ex- 
tension of Christ's Kingdom in the world, it must be a 
source of high gratification, and it calls for fervent thanks- 
giving to God, that He has preserved in the Church of 
the Brethren a portion of the zeal for the conversion of 
the heathen, which stimulated their first attempts ; so 
that, notwithstanding all privations and difficulties, per- 
sons have never been wanting, who were ready to en- 
gage in Missionary service ; and that the same spirit has 
also been poured out, in rich measure, upon many oth- 
er Christian Churches. 

Considering the Brethren's Church, a Missionary So- 
ciety in the most comprehensive sense of the term, that 
has never failed, for more than a century, to find wil- 
ling Laborers for the work of the Lord, we acknowledge 
with thankfulness, the goodness of God, in opening the 
hearts of others, more able, to give of their abundance, 
and so to become "fellowhelpers to the Truth." — Above 
all incessant praise is due to God, for the blessing, with 
which He has been pleased to crown the exertions of 
the various Societies engaged in this glorious work. This 
is a sure presage, that, at the time decreed by unerring 
wisdom, He will verify His own words ; " The earth 
shall be filled with the knowledge of the glory of the 
Lord, as the waters cover the sea/' (Hab. 2 v. 14.) 



90 SHORT SKETCH OF THE MISSIONS. 

As Brethren in the Truth, it becomes us all, to for- 
ward by our labors and prayers, the progress of this 
great and sanctifying work, of Evangelizing the World ; 
that Christ's Kingdom may be extended more and more, 
and His saving health he made known to all nations. 
Whether we assist or forbear, the Missionary work will 
go on, and can never be arrested, being identical with 
that of the Gospel itself. 

But may the zeal of our Divine Master quicken us, 
and all His people, so that we shall improve the present 
time, in working out our own salvation with fear and 
trembling, and in assisting others to do the same, through 
the grace of the Holy Spirit; (see Phil. 2, v. 12. 13.) 
and so strive to serve our day and generation for good, 
" while God is spreading over the^wonders of Creation, 
the glories of Redemption, in the blessed operations of 
this noblest enterprize of which the human mind can 
conceive." — 

" Blessed are they, that do His commandments." 

" And the Spirit and the bride say, Come. And let 
him that heareth say, Come. And let him that is athirst, 
come. And whosoever will, let him take the water of 
life freely." (Rev. 22, v. 17.) " He who testifieth these 
things, saith : surely, I come quickly ; Amen. Even 
so, come, Lord Jesus." (Rev. 22, v. 20). 



ICT* The fifth sentence on the 13th page must read as 
follows : 

At his request he was furnished with testimonials of 
orthodoxy, not only by the Archbishop Conrad, but e- 
ven by the papal Inquisitorial Judge of Bohemia, Nicho- 
las, Bishop of Nazareth. 

gCT* On the 51st page, in the 33d line, insert a peri- 
od after Christian David. 



TABLE OF THE MISSIONARY STATIONS OF 
THE CHURCH OF THE UNITED BRETHREN. 









?b 


S?^ 


s> 


3 

c* 


§■ 

ft. 


Countries and Stations. 
Danish West Indies, 1732. 


CO ^ 


2 S 

2^> 


3 
3 
s 

Co 




St. Thomas 


, New Herrnhut 
Niesky 


1739 
1752 


6 
4 










Town of St. Thomas 


1843 


2 




►— ' 


00 


St. Croix, 


Friedensthal 


1751 


7 


CO 
65 


© 


<5 


(1733) 


Friedensberg 


1771 


6 


6S 


o 


5b 




Friedensfeld 


1805 


6 




o 


£ 


St. Johns, 


Bethany 


1749 


4 








(1741) 


Emmaus 


1758 


5 








British West Indies. 












Jamaica, 


Irwin Hill 


1825 


2 








(1754) 


i New Eden 
Fairfield 
New Carmel 


1816 
1823 

1827 


2 
6 
3 










New Fulneck 


1830 


5 


CO 


1— * 






New Bethlehem 


1833 


2 


CO 


GO 






Bethany 


1835 


2 


^ 


o 
© 






Beaufort 


1836 


3 










New Hope 


1838 


3 










Nazareth 


1839 


2 










Lititz 


1839 


2 










Bethabara 


1840 


4 






•o 




Maidstone 


1846 


2 






O 


Antigua 


St. Johns 


1761 


7 






fee 

. ftj 


(1750) 


Gracehill 


1782 


4 








Gracebay 


1796 


o 


CO 


<D 






Newfield 


1817 


2 


CO 


Ot 






Cedar Hall 


1822 


4 


^4 


o 

p 






Lebanon 


1838 


2 










Gracefield 


1840 


2 










Five Islands 


1844 


2 










Greenbay 


1846 


2 







TABLE OF THE MISSIONARY STATIONS &c. 





Barbadoes Sharon 


1767! 


4 


j 




(1756) Mount Tabor 


1823 


2 


»— 1 




Bridgetown 


1836 


2 


QD 

O 




Clifton Hill 


1842 


2 






St* Kitts Basseterre 


1777 


4 






(1775) Bethesda 


1819 


4 


■ — 1 




Bethel 


1832 


2 


C7> 


0% 


Estridge 


1846 


2 


M 




Tobago-fcom Montgomery 


1827 


4 


t— » 




1783 till 1803) Moriah 

South America. — 1735. 


1842 


2 


to 

O 




Surinam, Paramaribo & Beekhuizen 


1767 


18 






Charlottenberg 


1835 


8 


t— ■ 




Salem on the Nickery 


1840 


2 


CO 

H 




Bambey 


1841 


2 


P 




Rust-en-Werk 


1844 


2 






South Africa. — 1736. — ( Near the 








6 


Cape of Good Hope) Gnadenthal 


1792 


14 




•if 


Groenekloof 


1808 


8 


1** 

**- 


O 


Enan 


1818 


4 


O 


•k 


Elim 


1824 


6 




1 


Robben Island (Hospital for Lepers) 


1845 


2 




ria 


North East of > Shiloh 
Cape Colony — 3 Clarkson 


1828 


6 




1 


1840 


6 






North America. — 1734. 








s 


Upper Canada — New Fairfield 


1792 


2 




Ind. Territory — Westfield 


1837 


2 


O 




do. — Beattie's Prairie 






<p 


or Canaan 


1838 


2 




New Spring Place 


1843 


2 






Labrador (1770) Nain 


1771 


7 


^ 


o 


Okkak 


1776 


8 


O 


• 


Hopedale 


1782 


6 




fi 


Hebron 


1830 


8 






Greenland (1733) New Herrnhut 


1733 


7 




**4 
g 


Lichtenfels 


1758 


5 


GO 


£ i Lichtenau 


1774 


6 





o 


Fredericksthal 


17#4 


6 





93 

In 1847, the whole number of Stations, was sixty- 
five, at which about three hundred Missionaries and 
Teachers were employed. The number of Converts is 
upwards of sixty thousand, including about twenty-five 
thousand Communicants. Of these 3000 are Greenlan- 
ders and Esquimaux ; 400 Indians ; 50,000 Negroes ; 
7000 Hottentots and other natives of South-Jifrica. 

Asiatic Russia. In 1764, the Empress of Russia, 
Catharine the Great, issued an Edict, in favor of the 
Brethren, and several proceeded to the Banks of the 
Volga, where they began the building of Sarepta, situ- 
ated near Tzaritzin. — This Mission continues, and has 
been instrumental in spreading the Gospel Light among 
the Kalmucs and other Pagan tribes, who inhabit the 
confines of Russia and Tartary. 




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The Iroquois, or Six Nations, consisted of the Mohawk, Oneida, 
Onandago, Cayuga, Seneka, and Tuscarora Tribes: 

The Church Registers having been lost at the destruction, of Gna- 
denhuetten, on the Muskingum (Ohio) in 1782, the exact number 
of converts, is not known. Previous to the year 1772, the number 
©f baptized Indians, was 720. At present but four stations are main- 
tained among the Aborigenes. All the rest were either destroyed 
by hostile tribes, or deserted by the inhabitants, who dispersed, 

N. B. For particulars, consult Loskiel's, . and Holmes's History 
of the Missions of the United Brethren. Also Heckewelder's Narra* 
Uve, 

UNSUCCESSFUL MISSIONS. 

I. EUROPE, 

First attempt in Lapland in 1734. Second attempt in Lapland 
from 1741 to 1742. Amongst the Jews in Amsterdam from 1738 
to 1739. Amongst the Gypsies in Wetteravia from 1700 to 1739, 

IT. AFRICA. 

In Guinea, among the Negroes from 1737 to 1770. In Algiers, 
among the slaves from 1739 to 1747, In Egvpt, various attempts 
from 1752 to 1783, 

III. ' ASIA. 

In 1757 a place called the Brethren's Garden, was established on 
the Island of Tranquebar, one of the Nicobar Islands ; but discon* 
tinued in 1774. In the Island of Ceylon in 1740. Among the Ge- 
bri, or Gaures in Persia, in 1747 and '48. In Nancaweery one of 
the Nicobar Islands, from 1768— '87. Near Serampore, in Ben- 
gal, from 1777— '98 At Patna, in Hindoostan, from 1783— '86, 
In Caucasian Georgia, from 1781— '82. 

IV. WEST INDIA. 

Island of Tortola from 1743— '92. Island of St. Eustatia from 
1767— '68. Firgt attempt in Tobago from 1790—1803. Renew* 
ed in 1827. At Riseland Estate, Tobago, from 1799—1800. A^ 
Signal House, Tobago, 1800— '03, 

V. SOUTH AMERICA. 

Bambey on the Surinam among Free Negroes (/r Creoles, At 
a Negro village on Senthea Creek from 1765 — -69. At Quambaon 
the Sebonne Creek 1769 — -'73. At Bambey on the Sabonne Creek 
1773 — 85. At New Bambey, on the Wana Creek in 1785. At 
Bambey on the Surinam from 1765—1813, Renewed in 1840,— 
Among the Native Indians— Arawaks, Warans and Wa-cquais, r 

At Pilgerruh on the Redde Berbice, from 1738— '63, At Sharon 
on the Saramacca from 1 747— '79. At Ephrem from 1759— 1765. 
At Hope, on the Corcntyn from 1765—1807, At Sommelsdyk, 
*mong the Negro slaves— from 1785 — 1816, On the Plantation 
Anna Regina, Demerara, an attempt was made in 1835. In 1739 
an attempt was made among the Negro slaves in South Carolina* 



HOME MISSIONARY (DIASPORA) OPERATIONS 
IN EUROPE, &c. 1847. 



Countries*" and Sphere of Activity. 


| Regular Societies, 
or Home' Missions. 


| Com' 


L Geiimajiy & Prussia. 


J menced. 


Saxony. Vicinity of Herrnhut 




1754 


Prussia. " Niesky 




1758 


u Lower Lusatia 


Limberg 


ki 


" Silesia. Vicinity of 






Neusalz 


Sagen. Gruenberg 


N 


11 " Breslau 


Breslau 


178d 


M Brandenburg. Ber- 






lin. Spendau 


Berlin 


1738 


<< M u 


Potsdam & Nowawess 


J 762 


M Pomerania 


Parchlin. [Stettin. 


1762 


44 Neumark, Netz and 






Worthemarch 


New Dresden 


1789 


44 Mecklenburg. Vici- 






nity of Gnadau 




1785 


East & West Prussia. Lithu- 






ania- Danzig 


Koenigsberg 


1765 


Thuringia. Hesse 




1738 


Franconia, Bavaria &Bohemia 




m 


Brunswick and Hanover 




u 


Bremen and vicinity 




*t 


East Friesland 


Norden 


1757 


Upper Rhine 




(U 


Lower Rhine 




u 


Upper Wurtemberg 




u 


Lower Wurtemberg 




M 


Lippe 




4* 


II. Switzerland & Fbajtce. 






Canton Basle 


Basle 


1741 


" Zurich 


Zurich 


1752 


Canton Zurich, Schaffhausen, 






and the Grisons 


Schaffhausen 


1765 


44 Berne 


Berne 


1759 


French Switzerland. Geneva 


Locke 


1741 


Alsace 


Strasburg 


1745 


France — Southern part 


Bordeaux 


1790 


44 Vicinity of Montauban 




1819 


44 Paris and vicinity 


Paris 


1844 



HOME MISSIONARY (DIASPORA) OPERATIONS 

&c., Continued. 
III. Denmark, Norway & Swe-' 

DEN. j 

Denmark — Copenhagen and 

vicinity ^Copenhagen 

" Altona & Hamburg Altona & Hamburg 
" Jutland & Funen! 



1737 
1836 

u 

1744 
1785 
1801 

18*9 



u Sleswig& Holstein' 
Norway — Vicinity of Chris-| 

tiania jChristiania 

" Strawanger & vi- 
cinity 
" Drontheim & vici- 
nity 
Sweden — Stockholm [Stockholm 

" Gottenburg and viJ 

cinity j Gottenburg 

fc « Uddewalla, Toarp,! 

and Shonen Uddewalla 

IV. Russia and Poland. 
Poland, — Vicinity of Neusalz* 

feld 
Livonia since 1736. There 
were 40,000 in connexion 
with the Brethren in 1836. 
Lettonia. — Vicinity of Neu- 
welke 
" Vicin. of Weberhof 

" J " Borkau 

" " Lindheim 

" " Dorpat 

" " Bethel 

" v " Hapsal 
Riga 
Esthonia « Liebwerth 

■" " Tuddolin 

" " Neu Kar- 

risthof 
Island of Oesel 
" Dago 
Russian Proper. — St.Petersb.'St. Petersburg 1767 



28 Meeting Houses 



20 Meeting Houses 
24 Meeting Houses 



Revel 



1739 
1763 
1745 
1785 






1736 



In Ireland, Bible Readers have stations at Moune, 
Ballinderry, Gracefield, Cotehill, Gracehill, Kilwarliu 
&e. — 

The United Brethren's Home Missionary Society of 
North Carolina, was established at Salem, Oct. 11th 
1835. Its field of operation is the mountain-region of 
Virginia, embraced within the Counties of Patrick, Gray- 
son, and Carroll ; — and also the northern part of Surry 
County, North Carolina. The first Home Missionary 
was Br. Vanneman Zevely, whose faithful labors in this 
interesting work, have not been without a blessing. 

LIST OF THE CONGREGATIONS OF THE 
UNITED BRETHREN. 



On the Continent of Europe 

I. GERMANY. 

1. Saxony, Herrnhut be- 

gun in 
Kleinwelke 

2. Prussia, 
«. Silesia. Niesky 

Gnadenfrey 
Gnadenberg 
Neusalz 
Gnadenfeld 

b, Brandenburg. Berlin 

Rixdorf 

c, Prov. of Saxony. Gnadau 

d, Prov. of the Rhine. Neu- 

wied 

3. Badm, Koenigsfeld 

4. Saxe Gotha, Neudieten- 

dorf 

5. Reuss. Ebersdorf 

II. SWITZERLAND. 

Canton Neufchatel. Mont- 

mirail 1766 

III. HOLLAND. 

Prov. of Utrecht. Zeist 1 746 

IV. DENMARK. 

Prov. of Heswig. Christi- 

ansfeld 1772 



1722 
1751 

1742 
1743 
1743 
1744 
1780 
1744 
1744 
1767 

1750 
1806 

1743 
1746 



ASIATIC RUSSIA. 

Astrachan. Sarepta 
N.B. Berthekdorf near 



1764 



Herrnhut, has been the Re- 
sidence of the Elders' Con- 
ference of the Unity since 
1790. 

Great Britain. 

I. ENGLAND. 

1. Middlesex, City of Lon- 

don, Fetter Lane 1742 

2. Yorkshire, Fulnecknear 1744 

Leeds 

Pudsey, nearFulneck 1755 

Baildon, near Bradford 1816 

Gomersal, near Leeds 1755 

Mirfield, near Huddersfield 1755 

Wyke, near Halifax 1755 

3. Lancashire, Fairfield, 

near Manchester 1784 
Salem, near Fairfield 1 q 

4. Cheshire, Duckenfield, 

near Ashton-under- Line 1755 

5. Derbyshire. Ockbrook, 

near Derby 1750 

6. Northamp'nshire, Wood- 
ford, near Daventry 1796 

7. Bedfordshire, Bedford 1745 
Risely, near Bedford 1759 

8. Herefordshire. Leomin- 
ster ; 1759 

9. Wiltshire, Tytherton, j 
near Chippenham 174& 

Malmsbury 1748 



10* Somersetshire* City of 




Lancaster co. CityofLan- 




Bristol 


1755 caster 


1749 


Brooksware, near Bristol 


1833 


Litiz near Lancaster 


"56 


Kingswood, near Bristol 


1755 


York co. York 


"51 


City of Bath 


1765 


Lebanon co. Hebron 


"50 


C Kimbolton, near Bedford 
\ Pertenhall " " 




Lebanon 


1847 




Wayne co. Hopedale 


"37 


11. Devenshire. Devenport 


1805 


II. NEW YORK. 




II. SCOTLAND. 




New York. City of New 




Ayrshire. Ayr 


1763 


York, Houston street 


1742 


III. WALES. 




Richmond co. Staten Is- 




Pembrokeshire. Haverford- 




land 


"63 


west 


1759 


Washington co. Camden 


1832 


IT. IRELAND. 




III. MARYLAND* 




Dublin County. City of 




Frederic co. Graceham. 


1758 


Dublin, Bishop St. 


1750 


IV. NORTH CAROLINA. 




Antrim co, Gracehill 


1765 


Stokes co. Salem 


"66 


Londonderry co. Gracefield 


1767 


Bethabara 


"53 


Armagh co. Ballinderry 


1755 


Bethania 


"60 


Down co. Kilwarlin 


1755 


Friedberg near Salem 


"73 


Cavan co. Cootehill 


1765 


Friedland " " 


"75 


Kilkeel 


1833 


V. OHIO. 




United States ofN.America 




Tuscarawas co. Gnaden- 




I. PENNSYLVANIA. 




huetten 


"99 


Northampton county. 




Sharon 


1843 


Bethlehem 


1741 


Canal Dover 


"tt 


Nazareth 


"44 


VI. INDIANA. 


H 


Schoeneck near Nazareth 


"47 


Bartholomew co. Hope 


1830 


Emmaus near Bethlehem 


"62 


En on 


"47 


Philadelphia co. City of 




VII. ILLINOIS. 




Philadelphia 


"41 


Edwards co. New Salem 


"44 



LIST OF BISHOPS OF THE RENEWED BRETH- 
REN'S CHURCH. 



1. David Nitschmann. 

2. N. L. Count Zinzendorf. 

3. Polycarp Mueller. 

4. John Nitschmann. 

5. Frederic v. Watteville 

6. John v. Watteville 

7. John Martin Dober 

8. August. G. Spangenberg 

9. David Nitschmann 

10. Wenceslas Neisser 

11. Fr. Christ. Steinhofer 

12. Jno. C. Frd. Cammerhof 

13. Leonard Dober 

14. Alb. Anthony Vierort 

15. Frederic Martin 

16. Peter Boehler 

17. Jno. G. Warblinger 

18. Matt. G. Hehl 

19. John Gambold 

20* Andrew Grassman 

21. John Nitschmann 

22. Nathaniel Seidel 

23. Martin Mack 

24. John M. Graff 

25. Paul Eug. Layritz 

26. John Frd. Reichel 

27. Philip H. Molther 

28. Henry v. Brueningk 

29. John G. Clemens 

30. Jeremiah Risler 

31. George Tranecker 
32% John Ettwein 

33. Gust. C. Schaukisch 

34. Burkhard G. Mueller 
85. Christian Gregor 

36. Samuel Liebisch 
87. Jacob Duvernoy 



Died at Bethlehem, Pa. 


u 


Herrnhut. 


(4 


Urschkau. 


44 


Zeist. 


II 


Herrnhut. 


II 


Gnadenfrei. 


44 


Berthelsdorf. 


u 


Zeist. 


44 


Barby. 


II 


Wittemberg. 


41 


Bethlehem. 


II 


Hennersdorf. 


II 


Herrnhut. 


a 


St. Croix, W.I. 


a 


London. 


it 


Gnadenberg. 


(< 


Lititz, Pa. 


ii 


Haverfordwest, 




[Wales, 


ii 


Berlin. 


ii 


Sarepta, Russia, 


if 


Bethlehem. 


ti 


St. Croix, W. I. 


I! 


Salem, N. C. 


41 


Herrnhut. 


44 


Berthelsdorf, 


44 


Herrnhut. 


44 


Gnadenberg. 


« 


Berthelsdorf. 


14 


Fulneck, Engp 


44 


Bethlehem. 


44 


Herrnhut. 


44 


Sarepta. 


44 
#4 


Berthelsdorf, 

41 


«l 


M 



CONTINUATION OF THE LIST OF BISHOPS &c. 



38. Christ. David B. Rothe 

39. John And. Huebener 

40. John Daniel Koehler 

41. Thomas Moore 

42. Christian Dober 

43. Samuel T. Benade 

44. Charles G. Reichel 

45. George H. Loskiel 

46. John G. Cunow 

47. Herman Richter 

48. John Herbst 

49. Lawrence W ; Fabricius 

50. Chrst. G. Hueffel 

51. Charles A. Baumeister 

52. J. Baptist v. Albertini 

53. Jacob Van Vleck 

54. Gottlob M. Schneider 

55. Fred. Wm. Foster 

56. Fred. Benj. Reichel 

57. Andrew Benade 

58. Hans Wied 

59. John L. Fabricius 

60. Peter Curie 

61. John B- Holmes 

62. John D« Anders 

63. Fred. L. Koelbing 

64. John C Bechler 

65. C Aug. Pohlman 

66. Hans P. Hallbeck 

67. Jacob Levin Reichel 
69. Daniel F> Gambs 
71. John Ellis 

73. Christian C Ultsch 
75. William W. Essex 
77. John G. Herman 



44 nearKleinwelke. 

" Berthelsdorf. 

" Neudietendorf. 

•« Fairfield, Eng, 

" Herrnhut. 

" Gracehill, Ireld: 

" Niesky. 

44 Bethlehem. 

" Berthelsdorf. 

it M 

44 Salem, N. C. 
44 Berthelsdorf 
44 Herrnhut* 

fj Berthelsdorf. 
" Bethlehem. 

u 

44 Ockbrook, Eng. 
4k Koenigsfeld. 

" Berthelsdorf. 
" Herrnhut. 

" Fulneck, Eng. 
" Herrnhut. 
" Berthelsdorf 

44 Ockbrook, Eng. 

44 Gnadenthal, S: 
[Africa. 
68. John King Martyn 
70. William H- Van Vleck 
72. John W. Nitschmann 
74. John Stengard 
76. Peter Wolle 
78. Benjamin Seifferth^ 



f£y The Brethren whose names are in italics are still in service. 



BOARDING SCHOOLS under the CHARGE OF 

THE BRETHREN ARE ESTABLISHED AT 

THE FOLLOWING PLACES. 



In Germany and Prusia. 
Niesky. 
Kleinwelke. 
Gnadenberg 
Gnadenfrey 
Gnadenfeld 
Gnadail. 
Neusalz 
Neuwied 
Koenigsfeld 

In French Switzerland. 
Montmirail. 
Lausanna 

In France. 
Montauban. 
Pans (Female 1846) 

In Holland. 
Zeist. 

In Denmark. 
Christiansfeld 



In Russia. 
Pabianize (Poland) 
(For boys If 47.) 

In England. 
Fulneck 
Gomersal 
Mirfield 
Wyke 
Fairfield 
Duckenfield. 
Ockbrook. 
Bedford. 
Tytherton 

In Ireland* 
Gracehill 

In the United States* 
Bethlehem, Pa. 
Nazareth " 
Litilz '< 

Salem, North Carolina. 



For the Terms of the Female Seminaries at Bethle- 
hem, and Lititz ,Pa. and at Salem, North Carolina, and 
of the Boarding School for Young Gentlemen at Naza- 
reth Ball, Nazareth, Pa., inquire at No. 121 North 
Third Street, or No. 74 Race Street, Philadelphia; and 
at No. 141 Broadway, No. 2&L Water Street, or No, 
522 Houston Street, New York. 



ANNIVERSARY OR MEMORIAL DAYS. 

It is customary in the Brethren's Church, to observe 
an annual commemoration of such events in its History, 
as have had an important influence on it, as a Religious 
community. The public Anniversaries now especially 
observed, are March 1st; May 12th; August 13th ; and 
November 13th. 

First Mission among the Greenlart- 

ders. 
Beginning of the Church of the 

Brethren. 
Laying of the Foundation stone of 

the first Meeting Hall, at Herrn- 

hut. 
Agreement of the Statutes at Herrn- 

hut. 
Beginning of the building of Herrn- 

hut. 
Presentation of the Confession of 

Augsburg, 
Martyrdom of John Huss. 
Particular visitation of Grace in the 

Congregation at Herrnhut, in the 

Holy Communion in the Church 

at Berthelsdorf. 
First Mission on the Island of St. 

Thomas. 
Beginning of the Hourly Interces- 
sion. 
Particular memorial day for the 

Servants of the Congregations. 
Beginning of the Reformation by 

Luther. 
Powerful experience in the Unity 
of the Brethren, that Jesus is the 

Chief Shepherd and Head of the 

Church. 
For particulars, see Historical Sketch. 



January 19, 1733. 
March 1, 1457. 
May 12, 1724. 

May 12, 1727. 

June 17, 1722. 

June 25, 1530. 

July 6, 1415. 
August 13, 1727. 

August 21, 1732. 
Augusts, 1727. 
September 16, 1741. 
October 31, 1517. 
Novemberl3, 1741. 



AN 



HISTORICAL SKETCH 









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